Building Extension and Structural Modification Approvals
Adding floor area, opening slabs, removing walls or strengthening a structure needs engineering assessment and an authority permit. We assess the existing structure, prepare the structural and architectural drawings and obtain the approvals.
- Authority ready drawings prepared by our engineers
- Submissions, comments and follow up handled for you
- Through to permit, NOC or completion certificate
How the approval process works
Structural modifications change how loads travel through a building, so authorities review them closely. A typical submission includes a structural assessment of the existing building, calculations for the new elements and drawings showing existing and proposed conditions.
Extensions also have to meet planning limits such as setbacks, coverage and height, and they may need master developer or landlord consent. We check both the structure and the planning limits before design begins.
Projects we handle
- Villa and building extensions
- Additional floors where planning allows
- Slab openings for stairs, lifts and shafts
- Removal of load bearing walls and columns
- Steel structures, mezzanines and canopies
- Strengthening and retrofit works
Approval stages
The exact steps depend on the scope and the plot. This is the usual sequence we manage.
Survey and structural assessment
Site survey, review of existing drawings and assessment of the structure.
Planning check
Setbacks, coverage, height and developer or landlord conditions.
Design and calculations
Structural design, calculations and coordinated drawings.
Permit
Authority submission, comments and permit issue.
Inspections and completion
Stage inspections and completion.
Typical documents
- Title deed, affection plan or site plan for the plot
- Existing approved drawings and the building completion certificate
- Proposed architectural, structural and MEP drawings
- Contractor appointment letter and contractor trade licence
- Structural assessment report and calculations
- Soil investigation where new foundations are needed
What we do
- Jurisdiction and feasibility check before any spend
- Drawing preparation, or review and conversion of your consultant's drawings
- Landlord, master developer and authority submissions, made through appropriately registered professionals where required
- Responses to authority comments and resubmissions
- Coordination of inspections with your contractor
- Permit, NOC and completion documents handed over to you
Every authority has its own checklist and it changes from time to time. We send you the exact list for your project after the first review.
Frequently asked questions
Can any wall be removed if it is replaced with a beam?
Only after a structural engineer has assessed the load path and the design has been approved. The replacement beam, its supports and the foundation loads all need checking.
Do I need a soil test for an extension?
New foundations usually need soil information. For small extensions the authority may accept existing data. We advise once we see the site and the existing records.
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View serviceTell us about your project
Share the plot or unit location and a short description of the works. An engineer reviews it and replies with the approval route and a quotation.
- WhatsApp+971 55 492 9782
- Mobile+971 55 492 9782
- Office04 431 5558
- Emailinfo@dubaiapprovals.ae
- AddressUnit 103, Eros Building, Street 3, Al Quoz 3, Dubai
- HoursMon to Sat, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Request a quote
- We review your scope and location
- We confirm the authority, approvals and documents
- You receive a clear quotation
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