Slimming a wall/widening a hallway

D20

Hi there,

I live in a converted period flat, and our hallway is super narrow at the start. I can't get things like a washing machine in through the space, so at some point it's going to become very problematic and I'd rather deal with it before it does.

The part that's a problem is only a very short stretch of the hall - about 30cm of corridor where it's too narrow - about 3cm narrower than I need.

One side is the wall blocking off the stairs to upstairs, so I probably can't do anything with that. But the other side is a) mine (I'm the freeholder) and b) brick. It's loadbearing, though.

Is there a way to ... shave a bit off a wall like that? I'm fantasising about going at it with an angle grinder to just take an 4cm or so off.

Any advice? I want a builder around for advice and a quote, but I don't know what's even realistic.

Doozergirl

A structural engineer would advise you on whether shaving a bit will keep it steady

pc1271

You could take out the wall and put in a lintel or RSJ to support the structure, then build a false wall using plasterboard to whatever thickness you want. Probably not a DIY job though as you'll need to make sure it's done properly and you have building regs sorted.