Annex Refurbishment Near Completion in Essex
- Mark Weston (Director- Chartered Structural Engineer)

- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

Work is now approaching completion on our annex refurbishment project at in Little Maplestead, Essex, where JMS Engineers has been providing structural engineering support throughout the build.
This project involved the sensitive redevelopment of an existing annex, balancing the need to retain elements of the original structure while ensuring the building meets modern structural and performance standards. From initial strip-out to final finishes, our role has been to guide the design and construction process, helping the contractor deliver a safe, durable, and well-engineered solution.
From demolition to structural rebuild
In the early stages of the project, large sections of the original annex were removed to expose the underlying structure. This allowed us to assess the condition of the existing fabric and confirm the most appropriate approach for rebuilding.
One of the key milestones was the installation of a new reinforced concrete slab. JMS Engineers specified the reinforcement layout and concrete cover requirements to ensure long-term performance, particularly in relation to load-bearing capacity and durability. This included clear guidance on bottom and top reinforcement cover, helping to avoid common site issues and maintain compliance with structural standards.
Careful coordination on site
As construction progressed, we worked closely with the contractor to ensure that structural details were implemented correctly and that any on-site queries could be resolved quickly.
This collaborative approach helped keep the project moving smoothly, even as different trades came onto site - including bricklayers, roofers, and, most recently, the electrician preparing for second-fix works.
Almost complete - what’s left to do?
The annex is now largely weather-tight, with new roofing, brickwork, and cladding in place. Internally, the structural elements are complete, and the focus has shifted to final services installation and finishing touches before sign-off.
Once the electrician completes the second fix, the building will be ready for final inspection and certification.
What this project shows about JMS Engineers
This Little Maplestead annex project highlights our expertise in:
Structural assessment of existing buildings
Design of reinforced concrete slabs and foundations
Practical, buildable engineering solutions
Close collaboration with contractors and clients
Supporting refurbishment and extension projects from concept to completion
Whether you are planning an annex, extension, loft conversion, or full refurbishment, JMS Engineers can provide expert structural and civil engineering advice tailored to your project.
If you’d like to discuss a similar project, get in touch with our team today.
JMS Engineers are award-winning Consulting Structural & Civil Engineers with over 25 years experience in providing engineering solutions across residential, commercial and industrial projects.


























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