Do i need a structual engineer for i ternal wall removal

Muds1

Hi all

In my house there is a partition wall between living and dining room, which i want to remove.

Its not a load bearing wall but it supports joists in ceiling.

I called in a builder and he said i must talk to a structural engineer first, whereas my skilled handyman suggested just goto a beam shop tell them ur specs and get a beam.

Here i want to know is there a legal bit involved in removing an internal wall? That is do i have to have to go to an engineer ?

Also, risk wise is it advised to goto an engineer or calculation from a builder/beam provider should be ok?

I am bit stuck coz engineers asking for 500+ for such a job (wall removal to a ly man loke me doesnt sound too bug a job for an engineer)

Please guide me what to do.

Rain_Shadow

Muds1 wrote: »

Hi all

In my house there is a partition wall between living and dining room, which i want to remove.

Its not a load bearing wall but it supports joists in ceiling.

I called in a builder and he said i must talk to a structural engineer first, whereas my skilled handyman suggested just goto a beam shop tell them ur specs and get a beam.

Here i want to know is there a legal bit involved in removing an internal wall? That is do i have to have to go to an engineer ?

Also, risk wise is it advised to goto an engineer or calculation from a builder/beam provider should be ok?

I am bit stuck coz engineers asking for 500+ for such a job (wall removal to a ly man loke me doesnt sound too bug a job for an engineer)

Please guide me what to do.

Which is it?


Sounds like the builder and the handyman both think it is a load bearing wall.

Muds1

Am not sure about types of wall, its not brick its a boarded wall

Rain_Shadow

I think if you are removing a load bearing wall then you will need Building Control approval and they are going to want to see calculations.


Of course you could 'just do it' But your house could 'just fall down'. Your call.;)

Muds1

How can i know if its load bearing or not.

If it supports joists is it a load bearing wall?

Rain_Shadow

Muds1 wrote: »

Am not sure about types of wall, its not brick its a boarded wall

Boards on a wooden frame? If so it won't be holding anything up, in fact the joists will be holding it up.:cool:

Muds1

It is infact boards on a wooden frame (as told by a builder)

But it's definitely plaster board wall

Rain_Shadow

In that case I don't see how it can be load bearing.


All load bearing walls are solid block/brick, although not all solid walls are load bearing.


I'd be interested to know why the builder thinks it needs a steel.

Muds1

Builder said - it might be supporting joists running perpendicular to wall

Hence we might need a beam

kie-ade

Although not common, timber stud walls can be loadbearing.
Timber framed houses for example.

If what your builder says is correct, & it is supporting the joists above, then it is loadbearing and any changes to a loadbearing wall will need Building Regulation approval.


I'd be tempted to take your builders advice & not your handyman.

Dan-Dan

At the end of the day its your choice

I am in the home counties and it cost me £290 for a structural engineer to come out , first , check it was load bearing (we knew it was though in any event) and produce calculations on one beam for a builder to use

Your builder friend has it right , if unsure , your going to have to pay to BE sure

I wouldnt listen to a handyman on such an important call