PorthouseDean Structural Engineers

PorthouseDean Structural Engineers PorthouseDean Limited, founded in 2012, specialises in the production of structural calculations and

PorthouseDean Limited, founded in 2012, specialises in the production of structural calculations and detailed drawings to fulfil building regulations conditions for mainly residential developments – from extensions and loft conversions to complete new-build developments. We provide services to home-owners, architects, builders and developers across the country – using the architectural plans provi

ded by the client to produce our information. Our team of engineers have the level of experience, along with an in-depth knowledge of relevant British Standards, to allow them to be able to recognise structural flaws in buildings at first glance. All of our calculations drawings and reports are overseen by a chartered structural engineer, and we undertake rigorous quality control procedures.

20/05/2026

An architect gets planning, a structural engineer signs off, then finds out about trees and clay soil. Suddenly, foundations need to be deeper, increasing costs. This could be caught early in feasibility.

13/05/2026

Ever wondered why structural beams seem so massive? It's all about the span and what's above. Double the span, and the beam size increases exponentially due to bending forces. Plus, beams must be stiff to prevent visible bending and cracking. What looks oversized is often just precise engineering at work.

11/05/2026

Ever wondered how deep foundations really need to go? It's not a simple answer! The depth depends heavily on ground conditions, soil type, and even nearby trees. You dig until you hit stable ground that can support the load.

01/05/2026

My granddad always said, 'Pay cheap, pay twice.' I used to ignore it, but countless times I've bought something because it was cheap, only to regret it and buy it again. Look for quality indicators and transparency – they're often worth the extra cost.

30/04/2026

For a typical single-story extension or loft conversion, aim for a sweet spot of £600-£900 (including VAT). Paying less raises concerns about reliability and checking. Paying more might mean you're funding unnecessary fancy BIM models. Demand clear information, full insurance, and solid aftercare. Site visits often add cost without value. Don't cut corners on structural integrity, but don't overpay either.

29/04/2026

Many believe every building project requires a structural engineer, but that's not always true. For smaller openings or standard extensions, guidance and off-the-shelf components often suffice. Structural engineers become essential when you deviate from standard practices, aiming for large openings, open-plan spaces, or removing significant walls.

17/04/2026

Think you need to pay hundreds for an engineer to visit your house? Surprise! Often, a video call is just as effective. What truly matters is the quality of their calculations, not whether they're physically in your hallway.

16/04/2026

You can't know if a wall is load-bearing just by looking. Joists running parallel or a timber stud above are clues, but not proof. The only way to be sure is to expose the structure and see what's resting on it. Then, an engineer can design support if needed.

Address

PorthouseDean Limited, Cubo, No1 Spinningfields, Spinningfields
Manchester
M33EB

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

0161 820 3230

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