making 3ft wide Arch way in wall betWeen kitchen And Dining room

mummy962

Id like to have an arch made between two rooms in my house as never use the dining room and like to open it up.

I have a few questions if anyone can help as there is so much conflicting information on the net I'm getting really confused.

Do I need to apply for building regulations, the wall is believed to be load bearing, but don't want the whole all out just. Small door access.

I had a builder come and look at the wall yesterday and he said I wouldnt not need a structural engineer out as only a small opening and they would support with RSJ . I would have a guarantee cert that the work was done inline to required standards. The builder quoted me £1200 plus vat to cut the arch and put in RSJ , clean up and plastering to be done by us,

My dad is a recently retired builder and said that the quote should have been a lot less then that im bring ripped off and I should look elsewhere. He has offered to do it, for me for cost of materials if all the quotes come back silly. But if did that which tempting as will save me £1000, could I pay for a building inspector to come and sign off the work?

As I said I'm so confused with it all any info from you lovely people would be great. Thanks

missprice

Call your local building control/council helpline
That quote is pants, I got a whole wall removed for much less, with BC and beam and plastering etc

arbrighton

I would think you will need building regs.

I wouldn't be trying to do the plastering myself, it's a difficult job to get right. I also wouldn't trust a builder to know what RSJ would be sufficient to support the wall- that is what a structural engineer is for