Any builders on this forum, please!!

loulou41

This is doing our head. Is this work a lot of hassle? Been quoted 4k to have the following done.
Option two-:support of LHS chimney breastInsert steel, approx. 4.4m long, 178 x 102 x 19kg, subject to confirmation with BCO. Set on padstones and set into through lounge mid wall and rear wall.Steels to be provided fire painted, boxed in with plaster board and left ready for plasterer to plaster and recove. This method is subject to discussion with BCO and preparation of site by others, prior to commencement of works.Preparation required will be full protection of floor and removal of carpet. Coving is 100mm gyproc and is readily available. This method may limit the amount of plastering to the ceiling, but it is subject to Building Control approval.Option one-most likely: support of RHS chimney breastInvestigation: remove section of ceiling in kitchen to allow discussion of support to chimney stack with BCO. It is difficult to say exactly what could be agreed. However, we have priced below what we believe to be acceptable and likely. Allowance for steel - 178 x 102 x 19kg, approx 4.4m long, seated on padstones, set into rear wall and wall between hallway and kitchen. Rebuilding localised brickwork under breast if necessary. Steels to be provided fire painted.We would need the following preparation carried out:- kitchen - remove 2 wall units, cornice and pelmet from all walls in kitchen and set aside. Remove gas range, cover granite work surfaces with ply wood.

This is a quote for a house my friend's has put an offer on. I do not really understand it and she has asked for my advice. I am hoping there is a builder on this forum who can advise. What could go wrong when attempted to do this work? She has not been able to talk to the builder who did the quote. It was done through EA and sellers. Surely you will need a structural engineer to do the calculation. She is really hopeless and would prefer for somebody to do the preparation like removing wall units etc. I have told her she should work away. It is not worth the hassle even if sellers are prepared to knock 5k off asking price. Appreciate some advice on this. She might then see sense and withdraw her offer. How does one check a builder credentials? Thanks a lot.

Cknocker

Why does whe want to do it?

Cknocker

To be honest it seems a lot of money for the work involved. The BCO will probably ask for structural calculations, so that could cost another £300. For the element of works priced for it is probably 3days work as all the prep and finishing is by others. So say £1500 labour (Top end) and materials £700 including steel, again top end.

loulou41

Thanks, have sent you a private mail.

Doozergirl

It's a little bit expensive but the description is quite sweet. The fact that they refer to building control is only a good thing because they are telling you that they are happy to have their work checked.

It's hard to decipher why the chimney breast needs supporting based on the quote.

If the chimney breast has been removed and not supported above, the other option is to remove the chimney breast above rather than support beneath.

It's not 'major works' in my view and I wouldn't talk in terms of trying to make your friend see sense. It's just a chimney breast.

loulou41

I have talked to EA and builder's secretary, I do not think the estimate include the preparation unless I have not read it well.

loulou41

Thanks, doozer girl, the chimney breasts have been removed in the 70's and has been flagged in the survey, it has no support. This house has got several issues as it needs rewiring, sort the roof and damp proof course another 5k to spend now and another 6k within 6 months. I do not think any house is worth that much hassle. It is a new kitchen and there is the possibility of getting it damaged. Reading the quote, it does seem that preparation is not included in the quote, unless I have misread it. I guess, I can trust the builder since he is involving BS. He is on the builders register but I have not been able to check his credentials as he has been recommended by EA..

vaio

I would be tempted to get independent advice (surveyor?) rather than relying on paperwork and estimate supplied by the people trying to sell the house