Structural Work in Bexley & Kent
Safe, Professional Structural Alterations for Homes Across Bexley, Bexleyheath & Kent
Structural work requires precision, experience, and absolute trust. Whether you’re removing a load-bearing wall, creating an open-plan living space, installing steel beams, strengthening an existing structure, or carrying out remedial work recommended by a structural engineer, the safety and integrity of your home depend on choosing a qualified and experienced builder.
P J Dunbar Builders Ltd has been carrying out safe, high-quality structural work across Bexley, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Sidcup, Eltham, Welling, Orpington, and wider Kent since 1994. For over 30 years, we’ve worked closely with structural engineers, architects, and local authorities to deliver structural alterations that meet strict building regulations and provide long-lasting stability and performance.
No matter the size of your project — from removing a single load-bearing wall to major structural changes as part of a renovation, extension, or conversion — our experienced, long-standing team ensures every stage is carried out safely, correctly, and to the highest professional standard.
Types of Structural Work We Carry Out
Every structural project requires careful planning, engineering oversight, and experienced hands. Below are some of the most common types of structural work we complete across Bexley and Kent.
Benefits of Professional Structural Work
Below are the key reasons homeowners across Bexley and Kent invest in structural alterations carried out by an experienced, reputable builder.
Create Modern, Open-Plan Living Spaces
One of the most popular reasons homeowners request structural alterations is to remove internal walls and create brighter, open-plan layouts.
Whether you're combining your kitchen and dining room or opening up a dark ground floor, structural work can completely reshape how your home feels and functions.
Improve Layout, Flow & Usability
Older homes often have cramped rooms, narrow doorways, or awkward layouts that no longer suit modern living.
Structural changes allow you to reconfigure spaces so your home works better for your lifestyle — whether that means wider openings, new access points, or reimagined room layouts.
Increase Property Value & Appeal
Homes with open-plan layouts, modern structures, improved support, and upgraded internal frameworks are highly attractive to future buyers.
Structural improvements can dramatically increase long-term value, especially when they form part of larger renovation or extension projects.
Ensure Safety, Stability & Building Regulation Compliance
Cutting corners on structural work is dangerous. With our decades of experience, collaboration with structural engineers, and knowledge of building regulations, we ensure every alteration is safe, compliant, and built to last.
You gain confidence knowing your home’s structure remains sound and secure.
Got Questions About Structural Work?
If you’re unsure what’s possible, or want clarity on what’s load-bearing, whether you need an engineer, or what regulations apply, we’re always happy to help.
Our Structural Work Process
Structural work must be carried out carefully, correctly, and with full regulatory oversight.
Here’s how we ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Consultation & Expert Guidance
We start with a discussion about your structural goals — whether that’s removing walls, improving flow, widening openings, or addressing structural concerns.
We’ll help you understand what’s possible and outline the steps required to complete the work safely.
Site Survey & Assessment
Next, we perform a detailed assessment of the area involved. We identify load-bearing walls, existing supports, access requirements, and any potential risks.
This step allows us to provide accurate advice before involving a structural engineer.
Structural Engineer Calculations & Drawings
Structural alterations must be backed by an engineer's design. We can work directly with your chosen engineer or recommend one of our trusted partners.
They will specify steel sizes, load requirements, padstones, and supports, along with the method statement for safe installation.
Building Control Approval
We handle building control submissions on your behalf, ensuring the work is inspected and approved throughout the process.
This protects your home now and any future sale or mortgage process.
Pre-Construction Planning
Before work begins, we review timelines, safety measures, temporary supports, access points, waste removal, and structural installation procedures.
Clear planning ensures a safe, efficient build with minimal disruption.
Structural Installation & Removal
This is where our experience truly matters. We install temporary supports (such as Acrow props and strongboys), fit RSJs or structural steel, and ensure the load is safely transferred.
Once complete, the old structure can be removed and the new opening formed. At each stage, we follow engineer specifications and building regulation requirements.
Finishing, Plastering & Making Good
After structural work is complete, we ensure the area is neatly finished — with plastering, skirting, adjustments to electrics, and preparation for decoration.
This ensures the alteration blends seamlessly with your existing home.
Trusted Local Builders With Over 30 Years of Experience
Homeowners across Bexley and Kent trust us with structural work because they know it requires precision, integrity, and extensive experience.
Here’s why so many clients rely on us for safety-critical building work:
Over 30 Years of Structural Experience
We’ve been carrying out load-bearing wall removals, RSJ installations, structural repairs, and complex alterations for nearly three decades.
Our long-standing team understands every detail required to carry out structural work safely and correctly.
A Family-Run Business Built on Trust & Reputation
Since 1994, we’ve grown through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Structural work requires absolute trust between homeowner and builder — and our reputation reflects the care, honesty, and quality we bring to every project.
A Skilled Team That Works Closely with Engineers
Structural work is a team effort.
We collaborate with structural engineers, architects, and building control throughout the project to ensure all work meets professional standards and performs long-term.
Transparent Pricing & Clear Communication
We provide detailed quotes that outline every part of the structural process — from engineer fees to steel installation, temporary supports, and finishing.
You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden extras.
Trusted by Homeowners Across Bexley & Kent
For over 30 years, we’ve built our reputation on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with us.
Recent Structural Work Projects
Take a look at some of the structural alterations we’ve completed across Bexley, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Sidcup, Welling, Eltham, and the wider South East.
From load-bearing wall removals to large structural openings and steel installations, every project reflects our commitment to safety, precision, and quality.
Structural Work FAQs
We can usually identify whether a wall is structural during a survey based on its position, thickness, joist direction, and the structure of your home.
In some cases, confirmation from a structural engineer may be required.
We will guide you through this process to ensure accuracy and safety.
Yes. Structural work must be approved by your local building control department.
We handle the submission, coordinate inspections, and ensure full compliance so you receive proper documentation for future property sales or mortgage applications.
In most cases, no. Homeowners can remain living in the property as long as the workspace is safely isolated.
We minimise disruption, keep the area tidy, and ensure safety throughout the build.
Absolutely. Many of our structural projects form part of larger home improvements, such as kitchen extensions, loft conversions, or open-plan reconfigurations.
We coordinate all elements to ensure a seamless result.
Open-plan layouts are extremely desirable and often increase the value of a home.
Structural improvements that create modern, spacious layouts are typically very well received by buyers.
Yes — any structural alteration requires calculations and drawings from a qualified structural engineer.
We work closely with trusted engineers or can collaborate with your chosen professional.
Their design ensures the structural change is safe and compliant.
Costs vary depending on the scale of the alteration, the size of the opening, the steel required, access complexity, and finishing work.
Once we’ve carried out a survey and received engineer drawings, we provide a clear, itemised quote.
Simple load-bearing wall removals can take a few days, while larger openings or multi-room structural changes may take longer.
Once plans and calculations are complete, we provide a detailed schedule so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes — when carried out professionally. We follow engineer designs, use correct temporary supports, liaise with building control, and work with an experienced team to ensure the safety and integrity of your home at every stage.
Simply get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat.
We’re happy to answer questions, provide guidance, and arrange a site visit to assess what’s possible in your home.
Still have questions?
If you didn’t find what you were looking for, our team is happy to help.
Get in touch today for friendly, no-obligation advice about your extension, renovation, or new-build project in Bexley or Kent.
Ready to Transform Your Home with Safe, Professional Structural Work?
If you're planning to remove a wall, widen an opening, install steels, or carry out structural repairs, we’d be happy to help.
With more than 30 years of experience, we provide safe, compliant, high-quality structural work you can trust.