Questions and answers

Yes. While GCP Associates is based in Edinburgh, we provide structural engineering services throughout Edinburgh, the Central Belt and across Scotland. We work with homeowners, architects, builders, developers and property owners on a wide range of projects, including house extensions, loft conversions, load-bearing wall removals, structural repairs, building warrant applications, commercial developments and historic building projects. Our service area includes Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, Glasgow, Stirling, Falkirk, Dumfries, Orkney and other locations across Scotland.

It depends on the job: a single beam in a house is a very different piece of work from a full extension or a detailed investigation. Tell us about your project and we'll give you a clear quote before any work starts.

A surveyor assesses the general condition of a whole property, for example in a Home Report. A structural engineer looks in depth at how the building carries its loads, designs new structure and investigates specific structural issues a surveyor has flagged.

Not always. For a straightforward wall removal, many homeowners work directly with an engineer and a builder. For extensions, lofts and larger alterations, an architect or designer usually prepares the overall Building Warrant drawings and we provide the structural design.

Your address, a short description of what you'd like to do, any drawings you already have, and a few photos. For cracks or the wall you'd like removed, photos help us understand the situation before we visit.

In almost every case, yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is building work that needs a Building Warrant in Scotland, and the council will expect structural calculations showing how the load above will be carried. An engineer designs the beam and its supports so the building stays safe during and after the work.

Clues include which way the floor joists run, whether there's a wall directly above, and whether the wall is part of the original structure. But appearances can mislead, especially in older or altered houses. The only reliable answer comes from an inspection, which is usually our first step.

Sometimes, for straightforward situations where we have good drawings and photos. In most homes we prefer to visit, because what's above the wall decides the size of the beam and the detail of its supports.

Almost always. Converting a loft into a room needs a Building Warrant in Scotland, and the new floor and the changes to the roof structure have to be designed and justified with calculations.

Usually not on their own. Ceiling joists are typically sized only to carry a ceiling. New floor joists are normally added alongside or between them, but the right answer depends on the house, which is why we inspect first.

In most cases, yes. Extending your home needs a Building Warrant in Scotland, and the council will need to see that the structure, from the foundations to the roof and the new opening into the house, has been designed. That's the structural engineer's role.

Usually after the architect has a design you're happy with, but before the Building Warrant drawings are finished. Involving us early on a complicated scheme, such as one with large openings or difficult ground, can avoid redesign later.

Absolutely. We provide detailed structural drawings and engineering calculations suitable for Building Warrant applications in Scotland. Our structural design work covers extensions, loft conversions, new builds, commercial projects, structural alterations, and other building works requiring engineering approval.

Most structural work does. mygov.scot lists building a new home, extending your home, building or removing load-bearing walls, changing roofs, external walls or other structural elements, converting a loft or garage, and demolition. If you're unsure, ask your council's building standards service before you start: it's an offence to start work without a warrant when you need one.

We undertake structural inspections for a wide range of issues, including structural cracking, building movement, settlement, damaged structural elements, and concerns relating to older or altered properties. Following our inspection, we can provide a clear structural engineering report with practical recommendations for repair, strengthening, or further investigation where required.

Send us the relevant part of the report and tell us your timescale. We'll inspect the specific issue the surveyor has flagged and give you a written report you can share with your solicitor and lender.

We understand house purchases run to tight deadlines. Call us to discuss timing.

Usually not. Many cracks come from shrinkage, temperature changes or long-finished settlement. Cracks that are wide, growing, diagonal or tapered, or that come with sticking doors and windows, are worth having inspected.

Photograph each crack with a ruler or coin for scale, note the date, and mark the ends lightly in pencil. That tells us whether it's moving. Don't fill or decorate over them until they've been looked at.

Subsidence is downward movement of the ground under a building, and it's only one possible cause of cracking. We'll tell you whether the evidence points to it. If it does, contact your buildings insurer early.

Yes. GCP Associates has experience providing structural engineering advice for historic, traditional, and conservation buildings throughout Scotland. We assess existing structures carefully and develop repair, strengthening, and alteration solutions that respect the character and construction methods of older buildings while meeting modern structural requirements.