First establish who designs the temporary works
Ask whether temporary works are included and who develops the construction sequence. The contractor may arrange them with a specialist adviser, or they may form part of the engineer’s appointment. The responsibility must not remain unassigned. Identify the information needed about floors, existing walls and available space. Actual site conditions matter for temporary works just as much as for the final structure.
Supports need a supporting load path too
A temporary load path must show where forces ultimately go. The presence of a prop alone says nothing about the suitability of the element below it. We therefore give no standard prop spacing, quantity or layout for making an opening. A photograph of a similar renovation is not a design. Those carrying out the work should use the agreed temporary works plan and report deviations before proceeding with the affected work.
Agree release and handover arrangements
Agree the checks required before the opening is made and the conditions for removing temporary works. Ensure responsible people can be contacted when unexpected construction is exposed. Keep queries, answers and revisions in the project records. When the permanent structure can take over is a project-specific decision; it does not follow from a generic website checklist or a fixed elapsed time.
Practical checklist
- Name the temporary works designer
- Agree construction stages beforehand
- Record inspection points
- Report deviations to the responsible person
Do not use this guide to design your own propping layout or demolition sequence.
Preparing your own project
Would you like this assessed for your home? See our information about load-bearing wall removal. It explains which information is relevant to that brief. The project check helps you prepare your enquiry.
Unsure about a term? The structural glossary provides plain-language explanations and technical context. To understand how the documents are organised, explore our fictional example project .
Background and sources
Sources checked on 3 October 2026. This guide is not a project-specific assessment.
Editorial guide • updated 3 October 2026. General information; not a project-specific assessment.