From new openings in SW15 mansion blocks to replacement joists and supported openings in Balham and Tooting period flats, GS Renovation delivers structural alterations across Wandsworth. Three decades of building in South West London mean we understand how these red-brick blocks and purpose-built flats are put together, and how to change them safely within the Building Regulations.
Structural alterations tailored to Wandsworth homes
Structural alterations cover far more than knocking a wall through. Across Wandsworth we form new door and window openings in solid masonry, replace tired or overloaded floor joists in older period flats, create supported openings between reception rooms, and underpin where ground movement has taken its toll. Riverside developments near the Thames and the older stock around Wandsworth Common each behave differently, so we tailor the approach to the building rather than repeating a formula.
Every alteration is designed by a structural engineer before we start. New openings receive a correctly sized steel lintel or beam bearing onto padstones, temporary propping holds the load while we work, and demolition follows a careful staged sequence. Replacement joists are specified for span and spacing, and supported openings get the right bearing at each end. Wandsworth Council's building control inspects the stages and certifies the finished work under the Building Regulations.
Underpinning and openings across SW12 and SW17
Parts of Wandsworth sit on London clay that shrinks and swells with the seasons, and older flats around SW12 and SW17 occasionally show the cracking and movement that calls for underpinning. We work to the engineer's scheme, excavating and casting in controlled bays to deepen the foundation without undermining what stands above. Where the underpinning or a new opening affects a wall shared with the neighbouring flat or house, the Party Wall Act applies and notice is served first.
Leasehold coordination runs alongside the structure. We secure the freeholder's licence to alter, agree method and hours with the managing agent, and keep neighbouring residents informed while props and steel are in place. It is worth being clear that this internal structural work is governed by building regulations, not planning permission. Only alterations to the exterior of a listed building or one within a conservation area need separate planning consent, which we will flag early if it applies to your block.
- Party Wall Act 1996 notices, awards and schedules of condition
- Underpinning and foundation strengthening in sequenced bays
- Crack repair, helical bar stitching and masonry restraint
- Load-bearing wall removal and new structural openings
- Building control applications and completion certification
The GS Renovation Difference in Wandsworth
GS Renovation handles Wandsworth structural alterations as one joined-up job, not a scatter of trades. Our engineer designs the openings, joists or underpinning; we secure freeholder consent, serve any carry building control through to certification. Occupied flats stay clean and protected while we work, and 30+ years across SW12 and SW17 mean the detailing is right first time.
- Underpinning carried out in sequenced bays, never one long trench
- Founder-led team with 30+ years of hands-on experience
- We build to the party wall award the surveyors agree, to the letter
- Registered in England, Companies House no. 14611254
- Free follow-up visit after completion if anything needs attention
- Aftercare and snagging support once the job is finished