Knocking down wall

omariqy

Hi all

We are planning to knock down the wall in between the front room and lounge. An RSJ will be needed. Do we need to worry about building control or the party wall act? It's an internal wall and there will be about 8 inches left on either side. Let me know if you need more information.

Many thanks

Omar

Le_Kirk

You will need calculations to be made by a structural engineer and I suspect it will come under building regs. I also expect Doozergirl and Furts et al will be along soon to give "proper" advice. They might want to know if you are terrace, semi-detached or detached. If you are not touching walls between your house and next door, don't see that you would need a party wall agreement.

Doozergirl

As above. Structural engineer and building control. The party wall act wouldn't apply.

omariqy

Thanks guys. How much would it roughly cost for the structural engineer? I've just spoken to Warwick council and they've said they need structural calcs for the beam. I may also knock down the chimney in the living room. The wall where the chimney is joined to the next door neighbours. It is a 1930s semi.

*~Zephyr~*

omariqy wrote: »

Thanks guys. How much would it roughly cost for the structural engineer? I've just spoken to Warwick council and they've said they need structural calcs for the beam. I may also knock down the chimney in the living room. The wall where the chimney is joined to the next door neighbours. It is a 1930s semi.

Assume £300 as a starting figure for a structural survey and a letter report.

omariqy

Just had a quote for £200. They need to know height of the first floor, width of pillars needed each side, and direct of span of floor joist. No idea what that last one means?

Ozzuk

I'd have thought you'd certainly want a party wall agreement for the chimney, or at least your neighbours will if they find out what is going on..

Ectophile

The chimney is another matter entirely. It's on the party wall, so the Party Wall Act applies. Plus it needs to be done properly. Bodge it, and a large part of the house could collapse.

Kiran

omariqy wrote: »

Just had a quote for £200. They need to know height of the first floor, width of pillars needed each side, and direct of span of floor joist. No idea what that last one means?

Direction of span of the floor joists, as in do they run front to back on the house or left to right.

omariqy

Kiran wrote: »

Direction of span of the floor joists, as in do they run front to back on the house or left to right.

Will the direction of the floorboards help me work out which way the joists go?

Doozergirl

They need to come to the house and look themselves! That's what you're paying for, not for you to make guesses.