Managing Structural Safety During Refurbishments and Alterations
Renovating or upgrading a building can unlock value and modernise facilities but under the Building Safety Act 2022, it can also create new structural safety risks if not properly planned and assessed.
Even seemingly minor alterations, such as removing a load-bearing wall or adding rooftop plant equipment, can affect the building’s overall stability. For Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), residential blocks over 18 metres or seven storeys, the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) must actively manage these risks to stay compliant with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Whether you’re carrying out refurbishment, retrofitting or adding new services, structural safety needs to be at the heart of your planning.
Why Refurbishments Can Compromise Structural Safety
- Altered load paths: Removing or modifying load-bearing walls, columns or cores changes how loads travel through the structure.
- Added weight: New rooftop plant, solar panels, green roofs or heavier finishes can overload slabs or foundations.
- Creating new openings: Installing larger windows, doors or service penetrations may weaken existing structural elements.
- Age-related vulnerabilities: Older buildings may already have weakened materials or corroded reinforcement, making them less tolerant of change.
- Fire and disproportionate collapse risk: Alterations may reduce robustness against fire or abnormal events if not carefully engineered.
Regulatory Expectations for Alterations in HRBs
The Building Safety Regulator expects that:
- Structural risk assessments are carried out before and after alterations.
- Changes are designed or checked by a competent, qualified structural engineer.
- The Golden Thread of structural information is updated to reflect new drawings, calculations and reports.
- Any Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) are filed if work uncovers significant safety concerns (e.g. unexpected deterioration or instability).
- The building’s Safety Case Report is updated to reflect the current structural arrangement.
Failure to do so could delay your Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) or lead to enforcement action if risks are not properly managed.
Best Practices for Safe Refurbishment & Alteration
- Engage a Chartered Structural Engineer early: Get advice at concept stage to identify potential safety challenges.
- Commission a pre-works Structural Risk Assessment: Understand the existing structure and load capacity before making changes.
- Design and check temporary works: Support floors, walls or roofs while permanent changes are made.
- Update all safety documentation: Keep new drawings, calculations and inspections recorded in your Golden Thread.
- Conduct post-works inspections: Confirm the structure’s stability and update your Structural Safety Report.
How Structures Made Easy Supports Safe Alterations
At Structures Made Easy, we help building owners and PAPs keep projects safe and compliant by:
- Performing pre- and post-work structural appraisals for HRBs and complex buildings.
- Advising on load path changes, reinforcement needs and temporary works.
- Preparing and updating BSR-ready Structural Safety Reports after refurbishment.
- Ensuring your Golden Thread stays accurate and regulator-compliant.
- Offering fast turnaround and portfolio pricing for landlords managing multiple sites.
Renovation should add value — not risk. Our expertise keeps your projects safe, compliant and regulator-ready.
Related articles
Download a structural safety report starter guide with Structures Made Easy Ltd.
Why choose us?
With over 3000 successfully completed projects to date, we have consistently proven ourselves to be a leader in the industry. From design cross check procedures to quality control measures, we will ensure your project is completed to your exact specifications.
100% Success in Building Regs
Fully Qualified SE
Transparent Fees
Practical & Efficient Designs
Clear Advice
Fast Turnaround
We make all our processes as simple as
possible giving you peace of mind
STEP 1
Get a quote. Refer to enquiry form or email or speak to engineer
STEP 2
Arrange site inspection
STEP 3
Report delivered