Self-Build Extension Support in Hertfordshire
Specialist wall removal and RSJ installations support for homeowners managing their own extension projects.
Planning your own extension? Start with Structural Support you can trust.
More and more Hertfordshire homeowners are managing their own extension projects taking on the role of project manager, hiring their own trades, and coordinating everything themselves. But while it’s easy to find general trades like plasterers and painters, structural work is a whole different story. Getting the structural elements right is the foundation of a safe and successful build.
That’s where Wall Away comes in.
We provide reliable, professional structural services to support your self-build project from the start including:
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
RSJ and Steel Beam Installation
Structural Engineering Support
Compliance with Building Regulations
Trade Recommendations
Project Guidance (& Management)
Whether you’re opening up space within the four walls of your home or building an extension to create more space, you need a team of tradespeople you can trust to support you on your project. As a specialised wall removal and steel installer company we have built our own in-house team of specialists in all the various trades you need for tackling your own project. An in-house team that we offer to self-builders across Hertfordshire, giving you access to trusted professionals who deliver critical work, on time and to code.
What We Offer for Self-Build Extension Projects
Load-Bearing Wall Removal: If you're removing a structural wall, you need professionals who understand the process from design to certification. We handle the steel sizing, install the RSJ, liaise with building control, and deliver a clean finish typically within two weeks.
RSJ & Steel Beam Installation: Installing steel beams isn’t just about getting the right materials it s about installing them safely, securely, and in full compliance. Our experienced team handles all aspects of RSJ installation for extensions and internal knock-throughs.
Structural Engineer Connections: We work closely with a trusted structural engineer who can provide the drawings and calculations needed for building control approval saving you time and stress at a critical stage of your project.
Bi-Fold Door Openings: Creating wide openings for bi-fold or sliding doors? We’ll install the supporting steels needed to make your new indoor-outdoor space both beautiful and structurally sound.
Trade Recommendations: Need help sourcing reliable local trades? With over three decades in the industry, we’ve built a network of dependable electricians, plasterers, builders, and more. Let us point you in the right direction.
Optional Project Oversight: Most of our clients manage their own builds, but if you’d prefer us to handle the structural stages from start to finish, we can take care of scheduling, coordination, and quality control so you don’t have to.
Why Self-Builders in Hertfordshire Choose Wall Away
30+ Years of Structural Experience: You’re not just hiring a builder, you’re hiring a seasoned structural specialist with decades of on-site expertise.
Local Team Covering all of Hertfordshire: From St Albans to Stevenage, Watford to Hitchin we are proud to support homeowners across the county.
Access to Trusted Structural Engineers: Need structural drawings or calculations? We connect you with vetted professionals to get your plans approved quickly and correctly.
Free Site Survey & No-Obligation Quote: We’ll assess your space, advise on feasibility, and provide a detailed quote to help you plan confidently.
In-House Trades & Recommended Contacts: From bi-fold door fitters to electricians, our trusted local network gives you access to qualified tradespeople who deliver.
6-Week Quality Check Included: Our job doesn’t end when the RSJ goes in, we return after 6 weeks to inspect the work and ensure everything has settled as it should have.
Serving Homeowners Across Hertfordshire
We work with self-builders and home renovators in:
St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Stevenage, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Bishop’s Stortford, and all surrounding areas.
If you're in Hertfordshire and planning your own home extension and want expert structural support you can count on, we’d love to help.
Wall Removals
Planning to knock through a wall? If it's load-bearing, you’ll need professionals to remove it safely. Our team handles everything from steel design to certified removal, typically within 2 weeks.
Steel Beam Installers
Installing steel beams can’t be left to guesswork. We provide Hertfordshire homeowners with end-to-end RSJ solutions, ensuring the right materials, expert fitting, and total peace of mind.
Trusted Trades Network
Looking for recommended plasterers, electricians, or bi-fold door installers? With 30+ years in the trade, we have reliable local contacts we trust, and so can you.
Bi-Fold Door Openings
We can help you open up the space to fit new bi-fold or sliding doors. Request a free quote!
Structural Engineers
Need accurate drawings or calculations before work begins? Our trusted structural engineer partner will ensure your plans are fully compliant and ready for building control approval.
Project Management
Don’t want to juggle all the trades yourself? While most of our clients manage their own builds, we also offer optional project oversight — keeping things running smoothly, on budget, and on schedule.
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Free Site Survey & Quote
We provide a free site survey and project quotation including professional liaison to plan out the work needed effectively.
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Work Completed On Time
We pride ourselves on our speedy process. We can have an average load bearing wall removed and certified within 2 weeks.
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Post Project Clean Up
Our in-house team are well trained in their disciplines and understand the high standards set for post project clean up.
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6 Week Quality Inspection
To ensure high-quality workmanship, we promise to return 6 weeks after completion to inspect the work.
Blogs & FAQs
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A self-build extension is when a homeowner chooses to manage their own home extension, sourcing their own trades to save money. We support self-builders by providing structural services that require qualified professionals.
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We strongly advise against it. Incorrect removal can cause serious structural damage. Our Hertfordshire-based team is fully qualified to remove load-bearing walls safely and in accordance with building control.
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Most projects are completed within 1–2 weeks from survey to sign-off. We work quickly and efficiently, coordinating every element of the beam installation process.
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Yes! We often collaborate with builders who don’t handle structural work. If your builder needs help with steel or wall removal, we’re happy to step in.
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The costs associated with hiring our team for a complete self-build extension project can vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the project, including factors such as the size of the extension, the materials used, and the specific requirements for wall removal and steel beam installation. Generally, a detailed quote is provided after an initial assessment and consultation to understand your specific needs and preferences. This quote will include all aspects of the project, from structural engineering to the final touches, ensuring transparency and helping you budget effectively for your renovation.
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Our company ensures the quality and compliance of the tradespeople we recommend by rigorously vetting their qualifications, certifications, and experience. We only collaborate with professionals who have proven track records and are licensed in their respective trades. For critical tasks such as structural engineering and steel beam installation, we ensure that the tradespeople have specific expertise and adhere to the latest industry standards and building regulations. Furthermore, we regularly review their performance based on client feedback and the outcomes of projects to maintain high standards of service.
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Our 6-week Quality Inspection check includes a comprehensive review of all construction and installation work carried out as part of your project. This includes checking the structural integrity, finish quality, and compliance with specified designs and plans. If any issues are identified during these checks, such as minor defects in workmanship or deviations from the project specifications, we promptly address these by coordinating with the relevant tradespeople to make the necessary adjustments or repairs at no additional cost to you. This ensures that the final result meets both our standards and your expectations.
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Yes. If you're altering a load-bearing wall or installing a steel beam, building control approval is mandatory. Wall Away ensures all structural work complies with current regulations and can liaise with your local council on your behalf.
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We offer RSJ installation, load-bearing wall removal, and full structural design support. Whether you're adding bi-fold doors, knocking through for an open-plan layout, or building a rear extension, our team ensures your project is structurally sound and compliant.
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Yes. We work alongside structural engineers and can provide drawings, load calculations, and the documents needed for building control sign-off — even if you're managing the rest of the build yourself.
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The earlier, the better. Involving us during the planning or design stage ensures your extension is structurally viable and avoids costly delays or rework. We’ll help assess feasibility, steel requirements, and wall configurations before you break ground.
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We serve homeowners across Hertfordshire including Hitchin, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, Stevenage, and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether you're in our area, just get in touch for a quick check.
Get In Contact
Managing your own project?
Let us handle the heavy lifting — safely, professionally, and in full compliance with local building control.
✅ Free site survey
✅ No-obligation quote
✅ Expert advice from real tradespeople