About Us
What we do & where we work
Lead by a member of the IStructE, with over 20 years experience as a Chartered Structural Engineer, we work with Home Owners, Architects & Builders throughout South Leicestershire and beyond.
FAQ's & Help for Home Owners
What do Rayers Green do?
We provide Structural Engineering services for home owners and professionals involved in domestic construction projects. Extensions, home renovations and Structural Engineers Reports.
What does a Structural Engineer do?
A Structural Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of a building's structure. They analyze and design buildings to ensure they are robust and capable of withstanding various forces. Working closely with Architects, Structural Engineers help turn creative visions into reality. They also offer expert guidance through Structural Engineer reports, providing detailed assessments for properties where issues like cracks or subsidence may be a concern. Note that these reports are distinct from a Structural Survey.
What's the difference between an Architect and a Structural Engineer
An Architect is an expert in designing the layout and appearance of buildings. Often serving as the lead professional on a project, they manage the planning process and can act as project managers, representing homeowners by coordinating with builders and other contractors throughout the construction process.
A Structural Engineer focuses on the safety and stability of the structure. We provide calculations, inspections, and construction details to ensure that the building envisioned by you and the Architect is constructed safely. Our expertise typically includes the design of foundations, masonry, suspended floors, steel beams, lintels, and roof structures, all engineered to withstand various loads, such as self weight, wind, snow, and occupancy
What's the difference between planning permission and Building Regulations
GOOD QUESTION, this can be, understandably, confusing. However the distinction is quite simple and the two are very different.
Planning permission is the approval granted by your local authority to build or make alterations to your property. Typically, this applies to home extensions, but it can also include specific details such as roof finishes, windows, and other exterior features, especially if your home is listed or located in a conservation area. Planning permission is also necessary for a change of use, such as converting a loft, transforming a garage into a living space, or switching a building from commercial to residential use, and vice versa.
You can apply for planning permission yourself, or your Architect can handle this on your behalf. For larger or more complex projects, especially those that may be considered controversial, engaging a specialist planning consultant might be advisable.
Building Regulations differ from planning permission and are designed to ensure that any construction is carried out safely and in compliance with current standards. Non-structural regulations, such as those concerning insulation and ventilation, are typically specified by your Architect or Architectural Technician, unless you're managing these aspects yourself.
For structural building regulations, calculations related to the building's fabric must be provided by a Chartered Structural Engineer. These calculations are often arranged and submitted by your Architect on your behalf, but they can also be submitted independently of planning permission