Knocking down kitchen wall

ic

A wall isn't only structural because it carries weight from above - it might be tying other faces together so carrying indirect loads - it isn't just a case of looking which way the floors run.

A structural engineer cost me £420 for detailed designs (20 pages or so of calculations) for removal of two external corner walls and installation of four beams. I'm sure a simple opening would be much less. I did have architect's designs to provide which simplified their job as they didn't have to measure up. It was a condition of my application for building regs that I provide calculations (as building regs will not take responsibility for doing them).

If you have calculations, it'll be a lot easier to get builders to quote as they won't be guessing what is required (and building in a buffer) and instead can obtain prices for precisely what you need.

HaydenB

As others have said, its not worth risking for the sake of the cost of a Structural Engineer. Worst case, contact Building Control (which you will have to anyway) and ask them to come out. I have found my local Building Control chap to be excellent and if you work with them and ask their advice rather than just cracking on you will find them very helpful.