Cornell Engineers provides structural engineering for selected renovations, extensions and alterations where experienced engineering input is important to the success of the project.
Our focus is on existing buildings where the structural solution is not obvious, where there are existing defects or movement to consider, or where alterations interact with the original structure in a significant way.
We are based in Brisbane and undertake suitable projects throughout Queensland. For sufficiently complex projects where our experience can make a worthwhile difference, we can also undertake work elsewhere in Australia.
Request a quote for your project.
Renovating an Existing Building Is Different
Alterations to an existing building are often more complicated than designing something new.
The engineer needs to understand what is already there, how the existing structure carries load, what condition it is in and how the proposed work will affect it.
That becomes especially important when drawings are incomplete, previous alterations have been made, structural movement is present or the building has been modified over many years.
When Cornell Engineers Is a Good Fit
We are best suited to renovation and alteration projects that involve more than a routine beam calculation.
This may include:
- significant alterations to existing houses, units or commercial buildings;
- structural changes where the existing load path needs to be understood;
- repairs associated with cracking, movement or deterioration;
- strengthening of existing structural elements;
- alterations involving existing masonry, timber, steel or concrete structures;
- projects where previous work is poorly documented;
- complex openings or changes to existing framing;
- alterations that interact with bracing or tie-down systems;
- extensions where the new and existing structures need to work together; and
- projects where an experienced structural inspection is needed before design begins.
Start With the Existing Structure
Before designing an alteration, we may need to inspect the existing building to understand how it is constructed and how it currently behaves.
We may assess:
- load-bearing walls;
- beams and columns;
- floor and roof framing;
- bracing systems;
- footings and support points;
- existing cracking or movement;
- previous structural alterations;
- connections between structural elements; and
- conditions that may affect the proposed work.
For some projects, that inspection is the most important part of the engineering process because it determines what can realistically be altered and where the structural risks are.
Structural Alterations
Alterations can change the way forces travel through a building.
Removing or modifying walls, columns, beams, floors or roof framing may affect gravity loads, bracing, tie-down or the stability of adjoining elements.
Our role is to understand the existing load path and develop a practical structural solution that works with the building rather than treating the alteration in isolation.
Extensions to Existing Buildings
Extensions often involve connecting a new structure to an older building that was designed and built under different standards and construction practices.
Important questions can include:
- how the new structure will be supported;
- whether existing footings are affected;
- how the new and existing structures connect;
- whether differential movement is likely;
- how bracing and tie-down are maintained;
- whether existing framing needs strengthening; and
- how construction can proceed without damaging the existing building.
Repairs and Strengthening During Renovation
Renovations often uncover defects that were hidden behind walls, ceilings or finishes.
These may include deteriorated timber, corroded steel, inadequate connections, cracking, poorly supported framing or previous alterations that were not properly detailed.
Where required, we can assess the condition and provide repair or strengthening advice appropriate to the structure.
Working With Your Designer and Builder
For larger renovation and extension projects, the best results usually come from the architect, building designer, engineer, builder and certifier working from a coordinated set of information.
We can work with your project team to review the proposed layout, identify structural constraints and develop the engineering required for the selected structural elements.
Where unexpected conditions are discovered during construction, we can also provide further engineering advice where the matter forms part of our engagement.
Construction Phase Inspections
For projects where Cornell Engineers has provided the structural design, we may undertake construction-phase inspections of relevant structural elements.
The inspections required will depend on the design, building approval requirements and the scope of our engagement.
Routine standalone footing, slab or frame inspections are not a major focus of our practice and may not be accepted unless they form part of a broader engineering project.
What We Usually Need Before We Start
For renovation and extension work, useful information may include:
- architectural or building-design drawings;
- existing structural drawings, if available;
- site photographs;
- soil-test information where relevant;
- previous engineering reports;
- details of any known cracking, movement or defects; and
- a clear description of the proposed structural changes.
For complex existing buildings, we may recommend an inspection before the structural design scope is finalised.
Projects We May Not Be the Best Fit For
Cornell Engineers no longer tries to accept every small residential alteration.
We are generally not the right fit for:
- routine wall removals;
- small decks and patios;
- minor carports and pergolas;
- simple beam-only design enquiries;
- small low-value residential alterations; or
- urgent certification of work designed or constructed by others.
Our preference is to take on renovation and alteration work where experienced structural input can genuinely improve the project.
Need Structural Engineering for a Renovation or Extension?
If your project involves an existing building and you need structural advice, send us the property address, current plans, proposed drawings and any relevant photographs or reports.
We will review the information and let you know whether the project is a good fit for Cornell Engineers before preparing a fee proposal.