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Failed brick boundary wall with a collapsed section and a pile of rubble at its base October 19, 2026 What Is a Certificate of Structural Adequacy? And When Do You Need One? A Certificate of Structural Adequacy confirms that subsidence repairs were carried out properly and the building was sound when the work finished.… White rendered extension meeting the brickwork of the original house at roof level October 14, 2026 Cracks Where an Old House Meets a New Extension A crack where your extension joins the original house is common and usually explainable. Here is what causes it, when it matters… Vaulted ceiling with a rooflight above an open-plan kitchen and dining space October 12, 2026 Vaulted Ceilings: What Happens When the Ceiling Joists Come Out Thinking of vaulting a ceiling or adding a rooflight? Here is what ceiling joists do, what has to replace them, and what… Open-plan kitchen extension with a vaulted ceiling and rooflight, opening through a boxed-in steel beam into the dining room after a load-bearing wall was removed October 7, 2026 Removing a Load-Bearing Wall: What Your Knock-Through Actually Needs Planning a knock-through kitchen? What load-bearing wall removal really involves, from steel beam calculations and padstones to Building Regulations, party walls and… Exterior brick wall of a house inspected for cracking October 2, 2026 Your Survey Recommended a Structural Engineer. What Happens Now? A surveyor has referred you to a structural engineer. What that actually means, what the inspection involves, and why it usually ends… The RESONATE approach by Ora Labora structural engineers September 28, 2026 The RESONATE Approach: How We Take Your Project From Brief to Build RESONATE is the eight-point approach behind every Ora Labora project, from understanding your requirements to exceptional service. Here is what each step… Rear elevation of a bungalow with a conservatory extension and roof-mounted solar panels, assessed by Ora Labora structural engineers September 24, 2026 Do You Need a Structural Engineer for a Conservatory? What the Exemption Does Not Cover Conservatories are often exempt from Building Regulations — but the opening you cut in the house is not. What actually needs designing,… Pre-1800s thatched cottages assessed by a structural engineer September 19, 2026 Pre-1800s Buildings: Why Old Structures Need a Different Kind of Engineering Old buildings do not behave like modern ones. A structural engineer's guide to rubble stone, lime mortar and thatch — and why… Barn conversion scheme reviewed by a structural engineer September 15, 2026 Barn Conversions: What the Structure Will Tell You Before the Planners Do Barn Conversions: What the Structure Will Tell You Before the Planners Do Most barn conversions begin with a drawing and a hope.… Ground floor chimney breast partially removed during a strip-out, with the brick stack above still in place September 9, 2026 Someone Already Removed the Chimney Breast. Is It Safe? There is a particular sinking feeling that comes with lifting a floorboard, or pulling back a bit of plasterboard in a house…
Google Reviews 4.9 31 reviews
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Andrew Vear 6 months ago

Stella did a great job for us. She liaised with building control (quite a challenge) and thought of things we would have never considered. Overall she did a great job for us and we are extremely happy with the outcome.

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Luke Sowinski a year ago

We used Ora Labora to get structural drawings for the removal of 5 load bearing walls. I had contacted many other structural engineer firms but they were hesitant to take on the project. When I rang Ora Labora there were no issues and they were able to come out quickly to survey the property. Everyone was very professional and I was able to get the final drawings very quickly at a good price. I handed these over to my builder and they were able to complete the work without any issues. I would highly recommend and would use them again!

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Graham Stewart 3 years ago

We were referred to Ora Labora and it was a great referral. Stella came around and checked the property and had given us enough notice of where we needed to excavate for her to get a better understanding of the existing building. Drawings were submitted for our approval before final drawings completed. All done in great time, to me. Thank you Ivy for all your effort and communication as well. Well deserved 5 plus stars.

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Jay Shah 4 years ago

Highly recommended structural engineer. I was introduced by a friend to a very good and efficient structural engineer, Stella Macharia. She analysed the project and supported me during the process of new build on the 3rd floor. Stella attended at the site time stated and identified the issue straight away, and was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Ora Labora and her team and wish to continue to work with them for any future projects.

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derek elding 6 months ago

Excellent service from all at Ora Labora, they work with you to achieve the best result for your requirements.

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Harry Gresham 7 months ago

Smooth process and trusted team to work with for our internal renovations. Would use again.

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yasamine watts 6 months ago

Helped us very quickly in an urgent situation, excellent work. Would definitely recommend.

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James Ekberg 8 months ago

Really impressive service - prompt, professional, and helpful.

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S.A.M 5 months ago

Smooth experience working with Ora Labora Ltd. Will definitely use again.

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