Internal Supporting Wall

smmeadow

Hi,

I have received a quote for removal of internal supporting wall that involves a chimney breast. I have zero experience of this kind of thing so looking for some advice.

The wall is approximately 3.3metres long and incorporates 2 outside cupboards and a pantry. There is also a chimney breast to deal with. There would need to be an RSJ and bricking up of one small window and 2 outside doors. Total price £4800

At £4800 I would end up spending more money on the house during the renovation than it is actually worth. Knocking through the wall would add an extra 1.2-1.5 metres space down one side.

I am having trouble trying to get quotes from other builders as they are all so busy. If this is a realistic price then its not worth it for me and ill stop looking for a builder.

Any advice appreciated.

Doozergirl

How much do you want it to cost?

Just knocking out a simple load bearing wall with structural engineer, building control fees and VAT is likely to be around £2000.

I can't quite get my head around what else you're doing there but it doesn't sound entirely unreasonable.

smmeadow

I think perhaps the chimney breast makes it more expensive, as it goes off to the right and up into the house if that makes sense so that needs to be supported. I need to make the whole renovation cost under 15k. I also need all new kitchen bathroom plastering everywhere and central heating. so 4800 on a wall just cannot be justified.

Looking on right move all the houses on the street that have sold recently have done this work though and they are only cheap terrace houses worth 120k I cant imagine everyone being able to afford nearly 5k knocking a wall down.

I was imagining it to cost 2.5k but then I have no building experience.

Doozergirl

Is this an old house and you are knocking out into outbuildings and bringing them into the house? The wall should be insulated as well as bricked up, really. I'm not sure that building control wouldn't class it as a conversion.

You don't seem to be adding much weight to the brickwork element. The other side of the bricked up area needs to look neat as well. Ideally toothed out and bricks matched.

In all honesty, I can't see a bonafide builder doing all of that for £2,500. It sounds like a lot more than just knocking through.

People can afford work if they pay the right price for the house in the first place and it's worth it for the living space.