Process and cost of having internal wall removed in house purchase

porkpie74

We've had an offer accepted on a Victorian terrace house and want to remove an internal brick wall between two reception rooms. I'm not 100% if it's load bearing but as it's brick I'm assuming it probably is.

My question is, due to the mess it will make, how long and what is the cost of the process getting this done as I understand it's a 3 or 4 day job and we've thought we could get the keys once completed the sale, get the work done and then move in. Is it possible to get a surveyor or engineer to go round and do a check whilst the vendors still live there? And if we need permission from the Council presumably this has to be once we're the owners, so how long would that take to process?

DevCoder

To be fair, your post was answered with as much information as could be provided.

No one can really answer your questions as no one can see the wall in question let alone do the structural survey if it is load bearing.

The vendors have the say in whether they allow anyone inside their property (including yourself).

The eventual planning permission and building reg guidance will be dependant on the first point of how the wall is constructed and what needs to be done whilst knocking it out to keep structural integrity.

You need to approach the vendors, get their permission for a structural engineer/builder to examine the proposed works and then go from there, no one on an internet forum can advise.

I would advise that you sort out the reasons behind your rejected AIP/DIP first before expending what could be considerable amounts of money for possible structural survey on a property at the moment you can't offer on due to the AIP/DIP mortgage.

porkpie74

Thanks but we approached a second Building Society and were accepted so made an offer on a property.

[Deleted User]

We moved into our house in july and are planning to remove 2 walls. We had several phone calls with builders who failed to turn up then we found one who recommended a structural engineer. He was going on holiday so we contacted a local firm who came round for an hour and said they would draw up plans. They didn't reply to 2 emails and a phone call chasing them so after 4 weeks we contacted another structural engineer who has just produced drawings ( only 2 weeks this time). We now have to send it all to Building Regs then when we get the ok we have to wait until our builder can fit us in.

So, I think your proposed timescale may be slightly ambitious!

phill99

porkpie74 wrote: »

That response really didn't do anything more than give you an opportunity to write a sarcastic response. Perhaps you could find a hobby other than sneering at people on forums

Booksurr has given a decent answer. Evidently its not the answer you want.

Only the vendor can tell you whether they will let a surveyor or engineer in. You need to ask them, not us.

Some builders will take 2 days to come back, some will take a month. However, they will only quote once they have an engineers calculations and specifications for the beam. I can guarantee they will only schedule work in once you are actually in occupation. There are too many variables on scheduling work if you don't have a completion date.

You need to talk to the coincil as far as BC is concerned.

The cost will depend on what the engineer says. If he wants steel uprights on padstones it will take a lot longer and cost you a whole lot more than a simple I beam.

Realistically, you need to take possession of the property before you go down this route.

Nobody on here can answer your questions, so your ungrateful response will wind the people up whose advice you are seeking.

DevCoder

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

you don't even know if you need a structural surveyor or just a general builder so it could be 2 days or it could be 2 months.

Doozergirl

There's a very similar thread on the In my Home board that I've posted on.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/66610471#Comment_66610471

There's no reason why the vendor shouldn't allow a structural engineer in. He's not going to touch anything.