Steel beams · Padstones · Structural openings
RSJ installation and steel beam fitting in Poole
An RSJ has to suit the opening, the load above, the bearings, the padstones and the way it will actually be installed. We bring the engineer, Building Control route and site work together before anyone starts cutting out walls.
Your local project lead
Josh Carrivick
The person reviewing your photos, route and next step before the job turns into separate conversations with drawings, engineering, Building Control and builders.
Installed steel beams before finish work
Planning your project
Tell us what you want to change at home. We will help work out the safe route.
You do not need to know the technical answer before you call. Start with the room, the problem and a few photos — we will explain whether you need drawings, calculations, approval or a builder first.
Recent work
Project photos from the stages that affect the plan.
Openings, steels, extensions, surveys and unfinished stages all change what drawings, approvals and builder pricing need to cover. Use the photos below to match your project to the closest route before you send the details.
Before you call
A few simple checks make the first conversation useful.
You do not need a full brief. These are the helpful details that let us point you in the right direction quickly.
Take a few photos of the room, the wall or extension area, and the outside access.
Tell us what you want the space to feel like, not just the technical work you think is needed.
Let us know if you already have drawings, calculations, planning approval or Building Control notes.
We will tell you the sensible next step before anyone talks you into unnecessary work.
Typical cost
Most RSJ-led openings sit between £6,500 and £14,000, depending on the span, access, temporary support, finishes and how much making good is needed.
Timing
Once the survey and engineering are complete, the site work commonly takes 1–3 weeks depending on how complex the opening is.
Local homes
PlanBuild is based in Poole and works across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and nearby Dorset homes.
What we help with
One joined-up route, so the job does not become your problem to coordinate.
- Opening survey and steel access check
- Structural calculations and beam specification
- Padstone and bearing details
- Building Control submission/support
- Install sequence, inspection evidence and making good
How it works
Simple steps before the messy work starts.
01
Survey the opening
We check the span, room layout, load path, steel access and the finishes that will need to be put back afterwards.
02
Specify the beam
The engineer confirms the steel, bearings and padstones so the installer is not left making judgement calls on site.
03
Fit and make good
Temporary support, beam installation, inspection evidence and making good are planned together, not left as loose trades.
Questions
What homeowners ask before booking.
What does RSJ stand for?
RSJ means rolled steel joist. In practice homeowners use it to mean the steel beam that supports a wall opening.
Can you install an RSJ without Building Control?
You should not. Building Control sign-off protects the house record and future sale. We build the approval route into the job.
Do you supply the engineer as well?
Yes. The route covers survey, structural calculations, Building Control support and installation planning.
Next step
Get a clear route before you commit to the build.
Send the room details, photos and postcode. We will tell you what needs checking before anyone prices or starts work.