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Restoration & Refurbishment

Reconfigure ground floor layout

Anonymous user 17/08/2026 - 8.12 AM

We have recently purchased a house and ground floor layout needs reconfiguring. It will mean removing walls, moving bathroom and toilet if possible as it is solid floor,new kitchen bathrooms, decorating. Totally confused whether we need an architect to draw plans or design build company or builder. Can someone help.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

9 Answers

Anonymous user

For a project like this, the best starting point is usually speaking with an experienced builder rather than going straight to an architect. When removing walls, the first thing that needs checking is whether any of them are load-bearing. If they are, structural calculations and steels (RSJs) may be required. Moving a bathroom or toilet on a solid floor can also involve additional drainage work and potentially lifting sections of the floor to run new pipework. A good builder or refurbishment contractor can normally visit the property, review the layout with you and advise on what’s structurally possible. If structural changes are required, they can then involve a structural engineer or architect to produce drawings where needed. For many ground floor reconfigurations, a builder-led design and build approach works well because it keeps the process simpler and avoids paying for unnecessary design work early on. It’s usually best to arrange a site visit so the existing walls, drainage and layout can be properly assessed before deciding the best route forward.
Answered13 March 2026
1

Blackwood ltd

No reviews yet

Darwen
As you’re removing walls and moving bathrooms, the best starting point is usually an architect to draw up layouts and advise what’s possible, especially with a solid floor. Once you have plans, you can get quotes from builders or use a design-and-build company. Starting with drawings usually saves time and money in the long run.
Answered14 January 2026
0

Forsquare Home

Rating: 5 out of 5
Bognor Regis
Yes we can, have cad skills and recent experience of this type of work. Happy to put you in touch with our previous clients, forsquare home.
Answered26 January 2026
0

Renewhaus builders Ltd

No reviews yet

Sutton Coldfield
You can get the architect to make a design is the best way.
Answered23 February 2026
0

Anonymous user

You require a structural engineer not a architect. Cheers
Answered25 February 2026
0

T&M CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Luton
For a full ground floor reconfiguration involving wall removal, relocating a bathroom, and installing a new kitchen, the first step depends on whether any of the walls are load-bearing and whether drainage needs significantly altering. Here’s how it typically works: 1. If structural walls are being removed You will need structural calculations (from a structural engineer) and building control approval. An architect isn’t always required unless you want a full redesign service. 2. If you already know roughly what layout you want A design & build company or experienced builder can often manage the process, including structural engineer, building control, and the full renovation works. 3. If you’re unsure about layout options An architect or architectural technician can help redesign the space properly before works begin. Relocating a bathroom on a solid floor is usually possible, but drainage routes need assessing carefully. In many cases, clients use a builder who can: • Assess structure • Advise on feasibility • Arrange structural engineer • Coordinate building control • Carry out the full refurbishment
Answered25 February 2026
0

MultiTradeMasters

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Slough
Hello 👋 ​Since you are removing walls and relocating plumbing on a solid floor, the first thing you need is a Structural Engineer to determine which walls are load-bearing and design any necessary RSJs. You will also need an Architect or a designer with CAD skills to produce accurate floor plans for Building Control. Once you have these technical drawings, a professional builder can provide an accurate quote. Skipping the structural calcs at this stage is a major risk when dealing with solid floors and structural alterations. ​Multitrademasters Expert Property Maintenance & Bespoke Solutions "From small fixes to full renovations. Check my profile for reviews and invite me to quote for a professional finish. Based in Berkshire, covering a 20-mile radius (extended travel negotiable for larger projects)."
Answered5 March 2026
0

Buildz

No reviews yet

Hackney Wick, London
For that type of project it’s usually best to **start with a design and layout plan**, especially if you’re removing walls and moving a bathroom on a solid floor. Most people approach it one of three ways: **1. Architect or architectural designer** – They can measure the house, discuss what you want to achieve and produce layout plans. This is often the best route if you’re making structural changes, as they can also advise on building regulations and whether structural calculations are needed. **2. Design & build company** – These firms handle the design and the building work together. It can be easier as everything is managed by one company, but it’s still worth getting a clear plan and specification before work starts. **3. Experienced builder** – Some builders are happy to help plan the layout and arrange structural engineers if walls are being removed, but this works best if they have experience with full refurbishments. Because you’re **removing walls and relocating bathrooms**, you may also need: * A **structural engineer** if any walls are load-bearing * **Building Control approval** for the structural work, drainage and layout changes A good first step is to **speak to an architectural designer or design-and-build company** to produce a layout that works, then get a few builders to quote based on those plans. That way everyone is pricing the same scope of work.
Answered13 March 2026
0

DFD CONSTRUCTION LTD

No reviews yet

Dagenham
I’d start with an architect or architectural technologist to plan the new layout. If you’re removing load-bearing walls, you’ll also need a structural engineer. Once the plans are ready, get quotes from several builders or design-and-build companies. This will make comparing prices much easier.
Answered17 August 2026
0