Renovations.
Structural assessment, upgrade design and documentation
for existing buildings undergoing renovation or change of use.
Understanding what's there
before changing it.
Renovating or extending an existing building requires a thorough understanding of the original structure — its capacity, condition, construction method and any deficiencies — before new loads or modifications are introduced.
IGG provides structural assessment and engineering design for renovation, extension and change-of-use projects of all scales. We evaluate existing structures from drawings and site investigations, determine remaining load-carrying capacity, identify deficiencies and deliver upgrade or strengthening schemes that are practical, coordinated and ready for construction — compliant with current Eurocode standards.
Start Your Project- Existing structure assessment & survey
- As-built drawing interpretation & review
- Load path analysis & capacity evaluation
- Deficiency identification & reporting
- Structural strengthening scheme design
- RC column, beam & slab upgrade design
- Steel frame extension & connection design
- Opening formation & transfer beam design
- Seismic assessment & retrofit (EC8)
- Foundation upgrade & underpinning
- Permit & construction documentation
- Site inspection & quality review
Existing structures hide
what new ones make explicit.
Unknown As-Built Conditions
Original drawings are often missing, incorrect or incomplete. We work from available documentation, commission targeted investigations where needed, and apply appropriate conservatism where actual conditions remain uncertain.
Legacy Materials & Standards
Older structures were designed to superseded codes with lower material strengths and different safety formats. We assess existing elements using current Eurocode approaches, accounting for actual material properties from testing where available.
New Loads on Old Structure
Extensions, additional floors, heavy plant or change of use can significantly increase loads on existing elements. We trace every new load through the existing structure to identify which elements are critical and require upgrade.
Opening Formation
Removing walls or forming new openings is one of the most common renovation tasks — and one of the most structurally sensitive. We design transfer beams, temporary works and connection details to safely redistribute loads during and after construction.
Seismic Upgrade
Many existing buildings in seismically active regions were built without adequate ductile detailing. We assess seismic deficiencies per EC8-3 and design practical retrofit schemes — concrete jackets, steel bracing or base isolation — that improve seismic performance cost-effectively.
Construction Sequence & Propping
Renovation works often require temporary propping, controlled demolition sequences and phased load transfer. We design temporary works schemes and specify construction sequences that protect the existing structure throughout the works.
What we work on.
Building Extensions
Horizontal and vertical extensions to existing buildings — new floors, rear extensions and lateral additions.
Change of Use
Structural upgrade for repurposed buildings — residential to commercial, industrial to residential, and beyond.
Heritage & Retrofit
Sensitive structural intervention in existing and heritage buildings, preserving character while improving performance.
Structural Repair
Assessment and repair of damaged, deteriorated or deficient structural elements — concrete, steel and masonry.
Have a renovation project?
Send us your brief and we'll scope it within 24 hours.