Structural drawing: what it is, when you need one, and costs
In a renovation where the load-bearing structure changes - a load-bearing wall coming out, a dormer, an extension or an extra storey - three types of documents quickly come into play: the construction drawing, the structural calculation and the structural drawing. They belong together but each has its own role. Below you can read exactly what a structural drawing is, when you need one, what it contains, and what the structural work costs at Tekenpunt.
A structural drawing shows the load-bearing structure - beams, columns, steel sections, connections and reinforcement - and is the visual translation of the structural calculation. You need one as soon as you're altering the load-bearing structure: removing a load-bearing wall, a dormer or roof extension, an extension, or a large span. At Tekenpunt, our KIWA-certified structural engineer provides the structural calculation with the accompanying structural drawing for € 700, matched to the construction drawing (from € 595). Delivery time 0-3 weeks, express in 0-2 weeks.
What is a structural drawing?
A structural drawing shows the load-bearing structure of your building plan: the joists, beams, columns, steel sections, timber connections and - for concrete - the reinforcement. It's the technical translation of the structural calculation into concrete dimensions, materials and connections, so the contractor, steel supplier or carpenter knows exactly what needs to be made and installed.
The difference from a construction drawing A construction drawing shows the layout and appearance of your home: floor plans, elevations and sections. You use it for the permit application and to give a contractor an overall picture. A structural drawing zooms in on just the load-bearing part - where the construction drawing shows what the space looks like, the structural drawing shows how that space stays standing.
The difference from a structural calculation The structural calculation is the substantiation: a static calculation showing that the load-bearing structure can safely handle the loads (dead weight, snow, wind, use). The structural drawing is its translation into a drawing. In practice, the calculation and the drawing belong together: the calculation determines the dimensions, the drawing makes them buildable.
When do you need a structural drawing?
You need structural work as soon as you're altering the load-bearing structure of the house. The most common situations:
Removing a load-bearing wall or opening up a wall If you (partially) remove a load-bearing wall for an open kitchen or a larger living room, a steel beam takes over the load. The structural calculation determines the section, the structural drawing shows how the beam is supported and connected.
Dormer, roof extension or ridge raise As soon as you open up or raise the roof plane, the load on the roof structure changes. Even for a permit-free dormer, a structural calculation is mandatory.
Extension An extension gets its own foundation, floor and roof structure and connects to the existing house. That connection and the new spans are calculated and drawn.
Steel structure or large span For large openings, a free span or a steel frame, a structural drawing is essential to have the steelwork produced.
Foundation For new construction, an extension or a heavy roof extension, a foundation plan is needed that carries the load down into the ground.
What is shown on a structural drawing?
A structural drawing contains the information needed to correctly carry out the load-bearing work:
Material and sections Which steel sections (for example HEA, HEB or IPE), timber dimensions or concrete cross-sections are used, with their exact dimensions.
Positions and spans Where beams, columns and joists go, how far they span, and how they rest on the existing structure or foundation.
Connections and details How components connect to each other: bearings, connections, anchors and - for concrete - the reinforcement details.
Linked to the calculation The drawn dimensions and sections come directly from the structural calculation, so the drawing and the substantiation form a single whole that the municipality and the structural engineer can check.
Structural drawing and calculation at Tekenpunt
Tekenpunt is a design firm with a KIWA-certified structural engineer in-house. This means we can provide the structural calculation and the accompanying structural drawing from a single source, matched to your construction drawing.
What we provide We provide the structural calculation that shows your plan is safe, and the structural drawing that the contractor or steel supplier needs to carry out the work. Because we also produce the construction drawing, all documents fit together seamlessly - preventing misunderstandings on site.
No architect needed For most renovations you don't need an architect. As a design firm, we provide the complete technical documentation - construction drawing, structural calculation and structural drawing - with which you apply for a permit and brief a contractor.
How it works You send us the details of the house and the plan. We produce the calculation and the drawings and get back to you when there are choices to be made. Since 2016, Tekenpunt has guided more than 800 renovation projects.
Costs and delivery time
The structural calculation costs € 700 at Tekenpunt and is provided by our KIWA-certified structural engineer. This calculation comes with the structural drawing that makes the load-bearing work buildable. If you also need the construction drawings, a construction drawing starts from € 595; the exact price depends on the scope of your plan.
What determines the price? The amount of structural work varies greatly: a single steel beam for opening up a wall is simpler than a complete roof extension with a new foundation. For a tailored plan we give a clear quote in advance, so you know exactly where you stand.
Delivery time The standard delivery time is 0-3 weeks. If you're in a hurry - for example because the contractor is already scheduled - express delivery in 0-2 weeks is possible for an express surcharge. The exact express surcharge is stated in your quote.
Step by step towards your structural drawing
Step 1: determine what changes in the structure Map out which load-bearing parts you're altering: a wall coming out, opening up the roof, adding an extension. This determines the scope of the structural work.
Step 2: request a quote from Tekenpunt Send us the available information about the house and your plan. We assess what structural work is needed and give you a quote.
Step 3: calculation and drawing Once agreed, our structural engineer produces the structural calculation and the accompanying structural drawing, matched to the construction drawing.
Step 4: execution With the structural drawing, the steel supplier can produce the steelwork and the contractor knows exactly how the load-bearing structure is to be built.
Frequently asked questions
Q01What is the difference between a structural drawing and a structural calculation?
The structural calculation is the static substantiation showing that the load-bearing structure can safely handle the loads. The structural drawing is its translation into a drawing: the sections, dimensions, positions and connections that the contractor or steel supplier uses to carry out the work. They belong together - the calculation determines the dimensions, the drawing makes them buildable. At Tekenpunt you get both from a single source.
Q02Do I need both a construction drawing and a structural drawing?
Usually yes. You use the construction drawing (floor plans, elevations, sections) for the permit and the overall picture; the structural drawing and calculation are needed as soon as you're altering the load-bearing structure, for example when opening up a wall, adding a dormer, an extension or a roof extension. Because Tekenpunt produces both, they fit together seamlessly.
Q03Can Tekenpunt provide both the structural calculation and the structural drawing?
Yes. Tekenpunt has a KIWA-certified structural engineer in-house and provides the structural calculation with the accompanying structural drawing, matched to your construction drawing. This way all documents form one coherent file for the municipality and the contractor.
Q04What does a structural calculation with drawing cost at Tekenpunt?
The structural calculation costs € 700, including the accompanying structural drawing that makes the load-bearing work buildable. If you also need construction drawings, a construction drawing starts from € 595. Because the amount of structural work differs per plan, we give you a tailored quote in advance.
Q05Do I need an architect for a structural drawing?
Not for most renovations. As a design firm, Tekenpunt provides the complete technical documentation - construction drawing, structural calculation and structural drawing - with which you apply for a permit and brief a contractor.
Q06How quickly can I have my structural drawing?
The standard delivery time is 0-3 weeks. If you're in a hurry, express delivery in 0-2 weeks is possible for an express surcharge; the exact amount is stated in your quote.
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