Structural alterations, new openings and steel support in Golders Green. Trusted, professional, 30+ years' hands-on experience.
From new openings to replacement joists and underpinning, GS Renovation carries out structural alterations throughout Golders Green and neighbouring Finchley, Hendon and Edgware. With more than 30 years working on NW11's period terraces, We build supported openings to the engineer's design that meet the Building Regulations and stand the test of time.

Structural alterations in Golders Green cover a wide range: forming a wide opening between two rooms, replacing tired or notched joists in a bay-fronted terrace, installing a beam over a new doorway, or underpinning where an older foundation has settled. Each of these changes the way load travels through the house, so a structural engineer designs the solution before we lift a tool.
Where a new opening is formed, the engineer specifies a steel beam sized for the span and the load above it. That steel bears onto padstones set into sound masonry, and we prop the structure, cut the opening in stages and lift the beam in before easing the props out. On the closet wings and side returns common in NW11, we detail each opening to suit the existing brickwork rather than forcing a standard fix.
New openings, replacement joists and underpinning are all notifiable under the Building Regulations, and Barnet Council's building control inspects the works and issues the completion certificate. This is internal structural work, so it needs building control rather than planning permission; only exterior changes in a conservation area or on a listed building would need separate consent, which does not apply to most everyday alterations.
Golders Green terraces share their dividing walls with the neighbours, so any alteration that cuts into or bears onto the party wall is notifiable under the Party Wall Act. Underpinning close to that shared boundary and beams landing on it both need notice served next door. We handle the whole sequence: engineer's calculations, safe execution and sign-off, so you deal with one team throughout.
GS Renovation gives Golders Green homeowners a single accountable team for structural alterations. We coordinate the structural engineer, serve any party wall notices on neighbours, build the supported openings or underpinning correctly, and carry it through Barnet building control. Expect clean, considerate working around your home in NW11 and a fully certified result, drawing on 30+ years across the borough.
George did a great job on our new bathroom. He is a really friendly and helpful guy and always ready to discuss any issues or concerns and come up…
Built a new extension at rear of property. Laid foundations, drainage, raised floor, new roof and completed all fixtures and interior decoration…
What can I say!!! George is an extremely lovely man his workmanship is second to none, he has an excellent eye for detail and nothing was to much…
FAQ
Labour is the biggest line on almost every Golders Green project. Materials for structural alterations are relatively predictable, but the days on site at NW11 depend on access, condition and how many trades must follow each other. GS Renovation sequences them to avoid idle time, which is the practical way to control the cost. The Barnet quotation shows where the hours go. Ring 07472 424 226 and GS Renovation will describe the sequence planned for your NW11 home. As a rough guide, structural alterations in London ranges from roughly £1,500 for a simple opening to £15,000 or more where underpinning or major works are involved (indicative London ranges, MyBuilder and Checkatrade, 2026). Your figure depends on the size, specification and condition of the property, which is why we survey before quoting.
Floors and walls doing work they were not designed for. Your Golders Green house converted into flats has separating floors carrying different loads, partitions added off joists rather than off structure, and openings formed at various dates. The engineer establishes what is carrying what before new alterations are designed. The original plan of the house is rarely a reliable guide to what is left.
Often, and the structure is the first question rather than the layout. Converting a Golders Green loft means the ceiling joists become a floor and usually need new members alongside, and removing purlins to open the space needs steel to replace them. Head height under the ridge governs what is achievable. Fire separation and a protected escape route are designed in from the start.
By improving the separating floor while it is open. In your Golders Green conversion the floor between dwellings is usually original timber with little in it, so impact and airborne sound both travel. Adding mass, an isolated ceiling and resilient layers makes a measurable difference. Where structural work exposes that floor anyway, it is the least expensive opportunity to correct it.
Usually the lintel or the bay's own piers rather than the ground. Bays on Golders Green houses carry the wall and often a bay above on slender masonry, with lintels that may be timber or shallow brick arches. Decay or spreading shows as cracking that follows the opening. The repair installs an adequately bearing lintel designed for the load above.
With a joint inspection and a written list of anything outstanding. Walking a completed Golders Green project with the owner produces a snagging list covering everything from a door that binds to paintwork needing another coat, and those items are worked through and signed off. Certificates for notifiable electrical work and any building control paperwork are handed over at the same time.
Every Service, One Team
The same trusted team, 30+ years' hands-on experience and free, no-obligation quotes apply to every GS Renovation service in Golders Green. Explore what else we do locally:
Same Service, Nearby Areas
We carry out structural alterations across Golders Green and the surrounding areas. Explore a nearby location:
Free, no-obligation quote for structural alterations in Golders Green. Rated 4.9 from 31 reviews on MyBuilder, fully insured, and building control handled for you.