Do I need a structural engineer?

[LayAllYourLoveOnMe]

Do I need a structural engineer?
We have just bought the basement underneath our house. For many years it was separate -really glad to have them together again.
I need to reinstate the staircase in the place where it originally was ( I think it was only removed about 25 years ago ). I expect that because of modern building regulations we won’t be able to necessarily reinstate it exactly as it was before but will cross that bridge when we come to it.

A couple of friends have been round have said that we need a structural engineer. Does this seem necessary? There is absolutely no doubt that we are reinstating the staircase where it would’ve been before. I’ll be grateful for any advice

Why not start with a quote from a staircase company to see start they say?

thank you Mosaic. That's what I'm so unsure of - knowing where to start.

I live in a small town and don't want to waste people's time. And even more than that I don't want to create opportunities for people to oversell stuff I don't need (I only just escaped a £6000 quote for a "damp proof course" thanks to mumsnet and youtube)

do you a loft conversion company is a good place to start? As they must install new staircases a lot (to replace ladders)

Most structural engineers start with a site visit to discuss the proposed works, so I expect that if you're open about just wanting an opinion they will probably come for a short visit (the upside being that you might recommend them, or use them for something else in future). In all likelihood you will need building regulations sign off, which probably will involve engineers' calculations. Perhaps see if someone will recommend somebody and give them a call. The engineer we used (in Hampshire) was excellent, but the first time we met him was shortly after we moved in, and he all but refused to do calculations until we decided what we wanted to do. He gave us some options in terms of which layout changes would be a better idea than others, but we had to make our minds up.

A building surveyor would be able to advise on this.

Any company that comes to quote knows that they won't get every job they quote for. No need to feel intimidated by not using a company. You might use them in the future or a friend might use them.

I'd call a staircase company and ask who you need to speak to/get sign off from in what order. They may have friendly engineers or point you the right way.

Thank you, this is really helpful.

I rang a different company (property preservation) who I know to be honest and they said if I can find the right joiner just to go for the joiner.
However I decided to be a bit conservative and get an opinion (at least) from an engineer. Thankfully a friend had recommended a one man band approaching retirement who does a call out charge of £100 and will tell me if I can just go straight to joiner. I described the job and he says there's a high chance he won't have to do much but that he can double check and reassure (and I'm obviously hoping he will then recommend the right joiner as the one I've used historically is more of a wannabe carpenter and not right for this job).