GS Renovation carries out structural alterations across Highgate, in the Victorian and Edwardian terraces that fill the N6 streets between Hampstead Heath and Kentish Town. With 30+ years behind us, we form new openings, replace tired joists, underpin where foundations need it and install supported openings, all engineered, propped and signed off correctly.
Structural work in Highgate's older homes
Alterations in Highgate's period stock cover a wide range: cutting a new opening into a closet wing, replacing joists that have sagged or suffered damp in a rear return, or underpinning a corner where the original shallow Victorian foundations have moved. Each starts with a structural engineer specifying the fix, whether that is a beam and padstones for a new opening or a sequence of underpinning bays for the foundations.
The side returns and rear closet wings typical of these terraces are where much of this work happens, as owners open kitchens into them or repair walls that have settled over a century. We prop, work in staged sections and keep the surrounding structure stable throughout, which is essential in homes where the party walls and upper floors depend on what sits below.
Supported openings and sign-off in N6
A supported opening means a steel or timber lintel carrying the wall above onto padstones, with temporary props holding everything while it is formed. In N6 terraces the wall being opened is frequently a spine wall or a party wall, so the design must account for the loads it carries and, where the party wall is involved, notice is served on the neighbour under the Party Wall Act before work starts.
All of this is Building Regulations work rather than planning, so Camden Council's building control inspects the propping, the bearings and the finished structure. Planning only enters the picture if exterior changes are proposed in a conservation area or on a listed building. We manage the engineer, any party wall notices and the building control inspections as a single coordinated job.
- Temporary works, propping and needling
- Building control applications and certification
- Steel beam and RSJ installation
- Load-bearing wall removal and new openings
- Underpinning and foundation strengthening
Why Choose GS Renovation in Highgate
For structural alterations in Highgate, GS Renovation gives you one team accountable for the whole job. We commission the engineer, serve any party wall notices, arrange Camden building control sign-off and carry out the propping and works cleanly in an occupied home. Underpinning, new openings, replacement joists or supported openings, all delivered with the care 30+ years in N6 brings.
- Free, no-obligation quotations
- Over 30 years of experience
- Dedicated project management
- Fully insured and guaranteed work
- Building control and planning support
- Clean, tidy and reliable tradespeople