Knocking Down Internal Wall

xxxpinkladyxxx · 12 May 2005 at 11:35AM

I want to knock down a supporting wall that is in my house. My boyfriend's dad is able to do it, although he is not a builder, but he has done this before. The only thing I want to know is do you have to let Building Control know about this or can I just go ahead with it?

alanobrien · 12 May 2005 at 12:13PM

xxxpinkladyxxx wrote:

I want to knock down a supporting wall that is in my house. My boyfriend's dad is able to do it, although he is not a builder, but he has done this before. The only thing I want to know is do you have to let Building Control know about this or can I just go ahead with it?

I would be very suprised if you could knock down a supporting wall without informing the building control people, after all imagine the consequences of getting it wrong.

I would give them a ring, they are usually very helpful and will steer you in the right direction.

robowen · 12 May 2005 at 12:36PM

You need to know HOW to do it properly and safely.

I agree with alanobrien here, best to contact your local building inspector/officer and they will advise you of the requirements on supporting the walls above.
They will offer advice on how big the steel or concrete lintel will have to be to support the above walls.

rob

alanobrien · 12 May 2005 at 1:03PM

xxxpinkladyxxx wrote:

I want to knock down a supporting wall that is in my house. My boyfriend's dad is able to do it, although he is not a builder, but he has done this before. The only thing I want to know is do you have to let Building Control know about this or can I just go ahead with it?

OK, this got my interest so i did some digging

Found the following;

Do I need Approval to make internal alterations within my house?
Yes. If the alterations are of a structural nature such as the removal, or part removal of load-bearing construction, i.e. a wall, joist, beam or chimney breast. Any alteration that affects the means of escape in case of fire will require an application.

Found here

http://www.worthing.gov.uk/Planning/BuildingControl/GuidanceNotes/1BuildingRegulationsApproval/

also here

http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/Services/BuildingControl/Building+Regulations.htm

I hope this is the same across all authorities after all if they allow me to knock down a supporting wall but do not allow me to fit a simple (new) power circuit then the country has gone mad

lush_walrus · 12 May 2005 at 1:06PM

Yes you will require Building Control to have an involvement in the work as it is structural, however it might be possible to carry out the works under Building Notice, but call your local Building Control department to talk it through with them and ask an officer to make a site visit to advise.

Part A of the Building Reg's covers structure, so you could start by having a look at this. Have a look on http://www.odpm.gov.uk within the site there are both expanatory panthlets and a full set of downloadable Building Regs.

To be honest I dont think this is really a job to be carried out by non builders, be very careful with structural issues. The structure will require temporary proping, as whatever is load baring onto the wall, will need support imediately.

Also the RSJ which will transfer the load on a perminant basis will require proper sizing, and the structure which it will bare onto should also be checked to ensure it can take the weight. This is normally carried out through calculations from an Engineer, but a good contractor may be able to advise and so will some suppliers can also calculate for you.

Structure is not the place to ever cut corners, so be very careful on anywhere you do make attempts to!

Baz-Bee · 13 May 2005 at 11:31AM

Structural Work will need to conform to the requirements of the Building Regs. Link to where they can be viewed is given above. As suggested would speak to your local Council's Building Control Dept who are normally only to pleased to advise.

Also, if the new supporting beam (Universal Beam (UB) - you cannot get RSJ's anymore and the they became obsolete 15 years, or so, ago although the term is still frequently used!) is to be built in to what is a party wall with your neighbour(s) property, you will also need to comply with the Party Wall Act and serve the requisite notices and get your neighbour(s) consent prior to commencing any works.

The bottom line is that it is now very difficult for a homeowner to undertake any significant works without having to be very wary of all the prevailing legislation and the like. It is getting a bit big brotherish which in some respects is OK but does, IMHO, tend to treat people like irreponsible children on some issues. It is the usual situation - a very small percentage stuff up and the rest of us have to be spoon fed rules and regulations as a result!!!

xxxpinkladyxxx · 14 May 2005 at 6:31PM

Hey, this was my thread about knocking down internal walls. If you wanna talk about extensions, start another thread, don't hijack mine! Let's keep on the topic please.

Pink. · 14 May 2005 at 10:18PM

Hi xxxpinkladyxxx,

Welcome to MSE. I have moved the off topic posts to a new thread.

If you have any queries please send me a personal message and I will try to help.

Pink

firrybabe · 14 May 2005 at 10:27PM

I've recently had an internal wall knocked down in my house and building control have been really good.

Before beginning the job I rang them up and they went through the paperwork I'd need to fill in and sent me out all the relevant forms. They provided advice on if a beam was needed and then on the most suitable size of beam to have installed.

The building inspector was out during different stages of the job to have a look at things. If they don't see particular phases they can make you uncover the work so they can see it, so tis worth ensuring you/ whoever is doing the job is aware of what stages to request inspections.

Knocking Down Internal Wall

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