Refurbishment, Alterations & Change of use in HRBs
We support refurbishment, alteration and change of use projects in Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), providing structural advice, design and Gateway approval support to help projects progress safely and in line with Building Safety Act (BSA) requirements.
Carrying out refurbishment works, alterations or a change of use in a HRB is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Under the BSA, many projects in HRBs must go through the Gateway approval process (typically Gateway 2) and additional information may be required before works can proceed.
Structural works or works that affect loading, layout or use of a building, will often require structural assessments and justification as part of the Gateway approval process.
Early structural advice can help avoid delays and redesign, later in the project.
How we can help
We work with building owners, designers and project teams to:
- Support the design team through the approvals process
- Review the existing structure and available information
- Assess the impact of proposed alterations or change of use
- Check load capacity for new layouts or increased loads
- Identify where strengthening works may be required
- Design structural alterations and strengthening solutions
- Provide information required for Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway submissions
Why early structural advice is important
On many refurbishment projects, structural input is only sought once the design is well progressed. In HRBs, this can lead to delays if structural constraints, load capacity or Gateway approval requirements are identified late in the process.
By appointing us early in a project to review the existing structure and advise on constraints and opportunities, we can help the wider design team develop proposals that are achievable and approvable. Early structural advice can help avoid the need for redesign, approval delays and unexpected works during construction.
Our work
We’ve worked on a range of refurbishment and alteration projects for HRBs, including:
- Internal reconfiguration and removal of walls
- Change of use
- Rooftop extensions and additional storeys
- New plant and equipment installations
- Balcony alterations
- Façade alterations and recladding works
Talk to us today
If you’re planning a refurbishment, change of use or alteration to a Higher-Risk Building, get in touch to discuss how we can support your project with structural design and the Gateway approval process.
