Homeowners

Construct your home smoothly and securely
with structural engineers you can trust throughout your project

When building a new home or extension, you need a structural engineer you can trust. A safe and well-planned structure is the foundation of any successful project. That’s where we come in.

As award winning structural engineers, we work closely with homeowners, architects, and contractors across Sheffield and beyond to support you through every stage of your project.

What sets us apart from other structural engineers in Sheffield is our ongoing involvement. We don’t just provide structural calculations and drawings, we stay engaged throughout the whole process, offering clear advice and practical support whenever it’s needed.

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We collaborate closely with you and your design team to ensure your project runs smoothly

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We’ll guide you through an often complex process, to help you make informed decisions with confidence

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We look for smart structural solutions that will save you money across the life of your project

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We’re on hand during construction to quickly resolve issues, prevent costly mistakes, and keep your project moving forward

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Why Homeowners Choose JAM Structural Design:

Building or extending your home is a major investment. Our role is simple: to make your project easier, safer, and more cost-efficient from start to finish.

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We Think Beyond Calculations & Drawings

We don’t just calculate beams. We look at how your structure will actually be built. A good structural design isn’t just safe — it’s practical, efficient, and cost effective.

That thinking often saves more than our fee. That’s real value — not the cheapest quote.

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We Prioritise Sustainable Design

We are Passivhaus and retrofit specialists, creating energy-efficient homes that save you money and reduce environmental impact.

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We Reduce Stress During Construction

We coordinate early with your architect and builder, anticipating site challenges before they become delays.

Fewer surprises. Less stress. A smoother build

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We Stay With You Throughout Your Build

Problems don’t usually show up in the design phase — they show up during construction. If something unexpected happens on site, you have experienced structural engineers ready to respond.

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Our Projects

Sort Trae

Sort Trae: Passivhaus in BarnsleyWe delivered a comprehensive structural design to achieve the Passivhaus Standard for a new buld home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. A close working relationship with HEM Architects and Terry Huggett Developments resulted in a high...

The Hen House

The Hen HouseOur considered structural design dramatically reduced construction costs for a new build home in Sheffield.Despite the tight, steeply sloping site we worked cleverly with the architects and the existing ground levels to avoid the need for a single...

Grove House

Grove HousePhoto credits: Dave Burton at Feature Services

Holmley Lane

Holmley LaneOur collaborative approach to design helps to reduce embodied carbon & improve client comfort:In collaboration with the architects we used our Passivhaus & low-energy expertise to create a highly efficient home which improves our client’s comfort whilst...

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Fees

How do we calculate our fees?

Charging the right fee is what allows us to achieve the best results for you. Our fees are affected by three key factors.

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Scale

Ultimately, the size of a project has a direct influence on its cost and our fee. The project size affects how much work we need to produce and the value of the end product.

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Complexity

This is key. A large project with no real complexity may require less work and effort than a small project in a tricky location or with a complex design or material palette. Some aspects of complexity are inherent in the site (topography, ground conditions, existing building etc) other aspects are a choice (design approach, material choices, complexity of form, exposed structure etc).

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Risk

Risk is not necessarily proportionate to the amount of work we have to do. The level of risk can vary from some cosmetic cracking in your plaster or in brickwork joints to the extremes of collapse of part of a building structure. Just as importantly, risk extends to things beyond the actual works; existing structures, neighbouring structures and even public highways.

How are our fees broken down?

A process that enables value engineering & collaboration.

Step 1: Site visit, notes and desktop study

We get a full understanding of the existing building and the wider site constraints. If necessary we organise an intrusive site investigation

Step 2: Initial sketches

We’ll produce a set of sketch proposals that explore the structural opportunities of the project

Step 3: Coordination & Project Review

This is where we make sure the brief and scope is fully defined and then confirm the final design approach with the client and the Architect

Step 4: Design calculations

Now that we have a final design approach we can produce a full set of structural calculations for building control

Step 5: Detailed drawings

Our design will be finalised by producing a full set of drawings for building control

Step 6: End of Stage 4 and building control queries

Here we finalise our quality assurance processes and pick up any queries that come back from building control

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Choosing the Right Engineer

Choosing the right structural engineer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your project. Here are some key things to consider.

Value

Look beyond just the cost. While budget is important, it’s essential to consider the overall value of their service over price alone. Assess whether they offer comprehensive services that align with your project needs. Appointing the right engineer will make the entire process easier and save you money in the long run. Likes most things in life you get what you pay for.

Collaboration

A successful project hinges on effective collaboration between you, your design team and your builder. Choose an engineer that values teamwork and is willing to collaborate closely with you throughout the process. We’ll bring your vision to life while ensuring structural integrity and safety every step of the way.

Communication

Look for a structural engineer who prioritises communication. They should be committed to guiding you through the process and keep you informed at every stage of the project. Clear and open communication is essential for a project to run smoothly.

Technical FAQs

1. Why should I get trial pits dug for my project?

Trial pits are essential to assess the ground conditions where your project is located. They help identify soil type, depth to suitable bearing strata, and the presence of any obstructions or utilities. This information is critical for designing the right foundations and ensuring your structure’s stability. Without trial pits, unforeseen ground conditions could lead to costly changes during construction.

2. Why is soil testing useful?

Soil testing provides crucial data about the ground which can be used to optimise the foundation design and potential leads to significant savings on concrete and excavation costs. Without this test, engineers must assume the worst-case scenario, leading to higher construction costs.

3. Why might I need a steel frame when I open up the back of my house?

When you open up the back of your house for a rear extension or to create an open-plan layout, walls that previously provided structural support are removed. A steel frame is often required to take over the load-bearing role of these walls. large openings that require a steel wind portal frame come with the added costs of steel fabrication, new foundations and labour. Reducing the size of the openings can avoid the need for a steel wind portal by making the opening slightly smaller.

4. Is it easy to build on top of an existing garage?

Building on top of a garage is possible but depends on the existing garage’s foundations and structural capacity. Many garages are built with shallow foundations that may not support additional loads from an upper floor. A structural survey and possibly underpinning or foundation strengthening will be required to ensure the new construction is safe.

5. Are my conservatory foundations likely to be good enough for a new extension?

Conservatory foundations are often shallow and designed for lightweight structures. A new extension, being heavier, typically requires deeper and stronger foundations. It’s unlikely that your conservatory foundations will suffice without reinforcement or replacement. A structural engineer can assess this and advise on necessary upgrades.

6. Do trees affect my foundations?

Yes, trees can significantly affect foundations. Tree roots can cause soil shrinkage, especially in clay soils, leading to subsidence. Conversely, removing large trees can cause the ground to swell, affecting the stability of nearby structures. The type of tree, its proximity to your building, and the soil type are all factors that need to be considered.

7. Can I expose my structure (steel/joists)?

Exposing structural elements like steel beams or timber joists can be aesthetically appealing but requires careful planning. The structure must be fire-protected, as bare steel and unprotected timber reduce fire resistance. Additionally, exposed elements should be treated for corrosion, stability, or wear, ensuring safety and compliance with building regulations.

8. Can my builder use different products than my engineer has specified?

Builders must follow the specifications provided by the engineer. Substituting materials can compromise the safety, performance, or compliance of the structure. Any proposed changes should be reviewed and approved by the engineer to ensure they meet the design requirements and building standards.

9. Can I dig down to create a basement?

Yes, but creating a basement involves significant structural and geotechnical considerations. You will need to assess the soil type, water table level, and proximity of nearby structures. Excavations can also affect adjacent buildings, requiring party wall agreements. A structural engineer will design the retaining walls needed to ensure the basement is safe and watertight.

10. What are the advantages of timber frame construction?

Timber frame construction offers several benefits:
• Speed of construction: Pre-fabricated panels allow for faster assembly.
• Sustainability: Timber is a renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint.
• Lightweight: Easier to transport and install compared to masonry.
• Design flexibility: Suited for both traditional and contemporary styles.
• Thermal performance: Excellent for achieving energy-efficient buildings.

11. What are the advantages of masonry construction?

Masonry construction is valued for:
• Durability: Brick and block structures are long-lasting and low-maintenance.
• Thermal mass: Helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Fire resistance: Masonry is non-combustible, providing inherent fire protection.
• Acoustic insulation: Provides superior soundproofing compared to timber frame.
• Aesthetic appeal: Offers timeless character and a wide range of finishes.

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