Overview
This case file documents my experience with Freedom Homes Architects, based in Ealing, London. I commissioned them to provide structural engineering for a rear extension. I paid:
- £1,390 – Structural engineering pack
- £280 – Engineering amendment fee
The structural pack delivered contained multiple omissions and errors, was not Building Control‑ready, and caused significant delays to my extension and solar installation.
About Freedom Homes Architects (Ealing)
Freedom Homes Architects publicly advertise a 5‑star rating on their website. This rating is:
- Self‑published on their own website
- Not independently verified by Trustpilot or Google Reviews
- Based on selected testimonials rather than full customer feedback
- Not representative of structural engineering projects
- Not reflective of the issues documented in this case file
View the Planning Application (Enfield Council)
The extension project is a real, verified planning application submitted to Enfield Council. Planning applications are public records and can be viewed online.
Planning Portal Link:
Enfield Council Planning Application
This link allows anyone to verify:
- The property address
- The extension design
- The architectural drawings
- The timeline of submission
- The legitimacy of the project
Timeline of Events
Key dates documenting payments, pack delivery, complaints, and refund requests.
- 8 May 2026 – £1,390 structural fee paid
- 22 May 2026 – £280 amendment fee paid
- 28 May 2026 – Initial structural pack delivered
- 2 June 2026 – SK 101 Rev A issued
- 15 July 2026 – Formal complaint submitted
- 22 July 2026 – Refund request submitted
- 23 July 2026 – Refund request escalated to managing director
Structural Pack Issues
The structural pack contained multiple omissions:
- No lintel design for new window
- No flat roof structural design
- No stepped foundation option
- No hybrid roof structural notes
- No Velux window structural confirmation
- Incorrect project metadata
- Missing floor build‑up
Foundation Depth Failure
Freedom Homes confirmed the 2.49 m foundation depth was based on assumptions from a photo of a tree, without soil investigation or arboricultural assessment.
This contradicts:
- NHBC 4.2
- BS 5837
- LABC guidance
- BS 8004
Engineering Amendments Not Delivered
The £280 amendment fee covered architectural and engineering changes for a new window opening. Architectural drawings were partially updated, but no engineering amendments were delivered.
Communication Delays
Examples of delays:
- 8–9 day response times
- Ignored foundation recalculation requests
- Ignored stepped foundation requests
- Ignored flat roof structural requests
- Ignored lintel design requests
Email Evidence
Email transcripts will be added here. Personal data will be redacted. These emails document:
- Technical questions
- Delays
- Contradictions
- Refund request
- Complaint escalation
Screenshots
Screenshots of structural pack pages will be added here.
Legal Rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be delivered with reasonable care and skill. Freedom Homes did not meet these requirements.
Impact on Solar Installation
The structural failures blocked the solar installation with GESS. The roof cannot be prepared until structural issues are resolved.
Public Review
A factual long‑form review documenting the issues encountered with Freedom Homes Architects.
Outcome
This section will be updated once the refund or resolution is complete.