What sort of tradesman to install an RSJ to support a removed chimney breast?

Pandilex

I got a structural survey done on a property I am buying and the report said that someone had removed a chimney breast at the rear and there wasn't adequate support.

I am trying to find a company to phone to fix it but I'm unsure if I need a specialist for this or what sort of builder I should be looking for. The majority that are coming up in searches primarily seem to do other stuff, so I'd rather get someone where this task is their main area of expertise rather than something they are able to do but are not experienced at.

Any suggestions?

Dan-Dan

A good general builder , working from calculations from a structural engineer

Pandilex

So I need to contact 2 people, a structural engineer and a builder?

Sounds expensive :S

Dan-Dan

Yes , unless the builder happens to be a structural engineer also.....?!

We paid £320 for one calculation

lee111s

Normally good builders will know a SE. My parents done it this way, one builder who then sorts it all out (SE, planning app, sparky, plasterer, plumber etc).

lee111s

I think the SE's calculations only cost my parents £90 about 6 weeks ago.

Pandilex

The SE that did the initial structural report on the property has quoted me £250+vat to produce all the drawings etc. required.

lee111s

I suppose it depends on what you're getting donw and where in the country you are.

My parents were just having one wall knocked down in a new build house (breeze block and plasterboard).

StuC75

Sounds a lot for drawings,, my builder charged £800 in all to knock down a kitchen wall, fit the required rsj (took all measurements for calculations to be made of strength to use).. Then partition off the living room \ dining room , fit plasterboard and skim all of it..

Unless the chimney is the size of a cooling tower, not sure what level of drawing are required..

Do you have any general builders who could go look.

Pandilex wrote: »

The SE that did the initial structural report on the property has quoted me £250+vat to produce all the drawings etc. required.

wallbash

StuC75 wrote: »

Sounds a lot for drawings,, my builder charged £800 in all to knock down a kitchen wall, fit the required rsj (took all measurements for calculations to be made of strength to use).. Then partition off the living room \ dining room , fit plasterboard and skim all of it..

Unless the chimney is the size of a cooling tower, not sure what level of drawing are required..

Do you have any general builders who could go look.

H&S / building regs gone mad. Builders use to have a quick look and know what sort of RSJ and the length by experience and when in doubt insert a slightly bigger one......job done.

Lobsta

We had SE do calculations and drawings for our chimney last month and it was £250 +vat. Thats exactly what the builders told us it would be. The plans are quite comprehensive, about 11 pages. No our chimney isnt massive but they need to be supported from the exterior walls of the house.