Minor Civil Engineering Design in London

• Design of small retaining walls and garden structures
• Step and ramp design to suit the users and the regulations
• Channel drains and threshold drainage
• Small concrete slabs, bases and hardstandings
• Coordination with drainage and site layout design

• Raised patios and terraced gardens
• Level access for wheelchair users or pushchairs
• Driveway thresholds that keep water out of garages
• Bases for sheds, garden rooms and equipment

1. 1

   Initial enquiry

   Tell us about your project through the contact form, including any drawings or photographs you already have.

2. 2

   Review of information

   We review the available information — existing drawings, architectural proposals, site measurements and photographs — and confirm what is needed.

3. 3

   Quotation

   We agree the scope and fee with you before any design work begins, so you know exactly what will be provided.

4. 4

   Design and checking

   We carry out the agreed calculations, drawings or specifications, checked against the relevant standards.

5. 5

   Issue of deliverables

   The agreed drawings, calculations or design notes are issued to you electronically, ready for your builder or building control.

• A sketch or plan of the area with approximate dimensions
• Photographs showing existing levels and conditions
• What the structure needs to achieve — height retained, access needed, load carried
• Any existing drawings of the property

• Design drawings and construction details
• Calculations for retaining or load-bearing elements
• A specification of materials where required

Retaining walls above a modest height, or walls supporting driveways or neighbouring land, can need more detailed investigation and design. We will tell you at enquiry stage if your project goes beyond minor works and what that involves.

How high can a garden retaining wall be before it needs proper design?

Even low walls can fail if badly built, but once a wall retains around a metre or more of ground, or supports a driveway, it should always be properly designed.

Can you design a ramp for wheelchair access?

Yes — ramps are designed to the appropriate gradients, widths and landing sizes so they are safe and comfortable to use.

Do small structures need building control approval?

Some do, particularly retaining structures and anything attached to the house. We will advise what applies to your project.

• External Works Site Layout
• Groundworks Foundation Layouts
• Brickwork Blockwork