The importance of a Structural Engineers role at RIBA Stage 5

Construction projects are complex and rarely finish without a few hiccups along the way. We explore explore how the expertise of a Structural Engineer can help a project run smoothly while on site.

Real-time Problem Solving:

Construction projects, no matter their scale, often encounter unforeseen challenges. Having your structural engineer onboard during construction means having a problem-solving ally right when you need it. Their expertise enables them to identify potential issues early on, allowing for immediate solutions that keep the project on track and within budget. Timely problem-solving minimizes delays, making for a more efficient and stress-free construction process.

Streamlining the Build Programme:

Time is of the essence while a project is on site. Delays can be costly and frustrating for everyone involved. Taking the proactive approach of conducting regular on-site inspections will help identify issues before they occur and prevent potential bottlenecks. Furthermore, having an engineer on hand when you need one means any hiccups are swiftly dealt with, minimizing disruptions and keeping your construction timeline on track

Quality Control

Having a Structural Engineer on site who is familiar with your project will provide a second pair of eyes to check the quality of the construction and that it’s being built as designed. A regular site visit gives the opportunity to talk to the the client, contractor and design team about things that may not be going so well and provide solutions to get the quality of the project back on track. Along with working with the project’s Building Control Officer, regular site visit also allow us to see a project at different stages to identify structural items that may be built over before the Building Control Officer’s next visit.

Budget-friendly Decision Making

You might assume that appointing an engineer during the construction stage would add unnecessary costs to a project. However, the opposite is true. Appointing an engineer will lead to cost-effective decision-making. They will collaborate with the architect and builder to address any unforeseen issues that may arise. Doing so will allow them make recommendations and design revisions quickly and effectively which lead to much bigger savings in the long run.

Adherence to Regulations

Navigating the labyrinth of Building Regulations can be a daunting task, particularly now the the Building Safety Act revisions came into action in October 2023. Your structural engineer is there to guide you through this maze and maintain their Duty Holder role of Designer throughout the lifetime of the project. By involving them during the construction stage, you have continuity of a competent Designer who is familiar with the project and understands its bespoke challenges. This provides you with peace of mind that your project is on solid legal ground.

Building Success Through Collaboration & Communication

Effective communication is the linchpin of any successful construction project. Appointing your structural engineer during construction fosters clear communication channels between all parties involved. Architects, builders, and engineers can collaboratively address concerns, share insights, and make informed decisions. This streamlined communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings that could otherwise lead to costly errors.

Conclusion

By appointing a structural engineer during the construction stage, you secure a valuable partner who contributes not only to the stability and safety of your project but also to its overall success. Architects and homeowners alike can benefit from the expertise, problem-solving skills, and cost-effective decision-making that a structural engineer brings to the table. We’re here to help our Clients achieve their dream home so if you’re working on a building of your own we’d love to hear from you.

Email: info@jamstructures.co.uk

TEL: 01144420232