Short answer
The more accurate the information, the faster and cheaper the engineering. Most useful are dimensioned architectural drawings of the existing and proposed layouts, photographs of the areas affected, an indication of floor joist directions, and a short written description of what you want to achieve. Where they exist, previous reports, ground investigation data, planning documents and drainage information all help. If you have none of this, say so — an engineer can advise what is genuinely needed rather than requiring a full set before starting.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
Most useful for domestic work
- Existing and proposed plans, sections and elevations
- Photographs of walls, ceilings and any cracking
- Joist direction and floor construction, if known
- Site constraints: access, neighbouring buildings, trees
Most useful for commercial and industrial work
- General arrangement drawings and existing record information
- Equipment loads, plant layouts and craneage requirements
- Ground investigation reports
- Programme, phasing and any occupied-operation constraints
How BES is typically involved
- The Project Information Builder assembles a complete Project Information Pack in ten guided steps.
- BES reviews what you have and confirms what is missing before quoting.
- Where information does not exist, BES advises on measured survey or opening-up.
Typical process
- 01Assemble drawings and photographs
- 02Describe the objective in plain terms
- 03Submit through the Project Information Builder or by email
- 04Scope confirmation
- 05Fee proposal and appointment
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“I must have full architectural drawings before contacting an engineer.”
In practice
Early conversations are often the most valuable. Sketches and photographs are enough to begin.
Commonly assumed
“More documents are always better.”
In practice
Relevant, current information beats a large folder of superseded drawings.
Related tools and services
Resource Centre tool
Project Information Builder
A guided ten-step wizard that prepares a complete Project Information Pack — client details, site, scope, programme and documents — ready for quotation and appointment.
Start Information Builder →Resource Centre tool
Structural Project Navigator
Answer a few straightforward questions to identify the likely structural engineering input, information requirements and next steps for your project.
Start Project Navigator →Related questions
Discuss your project
General guidance only goes so far. Describe your building and what you are planning, and you will receive project-specific advice from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
Discuss Your Project →Next scheduled review August 2027
Disclaimer
Indicative result only. The calculation depends on the assumptions and information entered and does not constitute structural design or professional advice. Do not use the result for construction, procurement, Building Regulations submissions or safety-critical decisions. All results must be independently verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer before being used for design, construction or regulatory purposes. Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance placed on unverified results.