Removing Wall with Soil Pipe

Jocen

Hi, we’re considering removing a wall in our home to make an open plan kitchen dinner. It looks like it’s a load bearing wall and has a waste soil pipe boxed in within it which we’d somehow need re routing. Where do we start in understanding what is possible / how we do this?

Is it a structal Engineer / Architecet / Builder we need to talk to about how we go about doing this?

Also probably impossible to say but any ideas on possible cost?

Guidance/ Advice is much appreciated

Le_Kirk

I would suggest all three would be required. If you are removing a load bearing wall, you will need a structural engineer to calculate the required beam type/size, an architect to produce drawings and a builder to quote for and carry out the work. You might find a builder (ask around friends/family) who will be able to give you initial advice.

daivid

If you can't tell if it's load bearing a competent builder should be able to tell you that (as above). If it is load bearing a structural engineer will be needed to calculate loads for the beam required and draw the plans for buildings regs. Can't see any need for an architect if you are simply removing a wall. Cost will vary greatly based on the spans, the beam needed and the complexity of sorting the boxed pipe.

Regarding the boxed pipe does it need to go? It won't be providing any structural support so provided the wall can be removed and the beam put in without disturbing the pipe then can it just be boxed back in? I assume it is next to another wall also. If you want rid of it to create a clean line along the walls of the new room then you could re route the soil pipe to go outside, though this may involve work (and mess) in the bathroom).

daivid

Jocen wrote: »

It looks like it’s a load bearing wall...
..Where do we start in understanding what is possible / how we do this?

Just re-read and noticed this, and wondered how you've concluded it is load bearing?


It is usually much easier to rule out which walls are load bearing than be certain which are. Just because a wall is solid doesn't mean it is structural (especially true the older the house). Apologies if you already know this and more.

Jocen

Thanks for the reply, really useful. We!!!8217;re pretty sure it!!!8217;s load bearing mainly driven not just by it being solid but as the wall for the bathroom is directly above it. Sounds like we need to get a builder in first and they can tell us for definite and we can take from there.

Appreciate the advice

EachPenny

Jocen wrote: »

Sounds like we need to get a builder in first and they can tell us for definite and we can take from there.

It depends how much trust you want to put in your builder, but there are relatively few I would trust to give a 'definite' answer. There are far more who will tell you not to worry because they know what they are doing... there are also many builders who have an aversion to structural engineers and building regulations.

Also, it isn't just a case of being loadbearing. Some walls are required to provide lateral stability to other walls, which is why the job is more complicated that sticking in a beam and knocking a hole in the wall.

If you want to be safe you should make sure a structural engineer is involved at some point.

daivid

Jocen wrote: »

but as the wall for the bathroom is directly above it.

Is the bathroom wall also a solid wall? That would certainly be an indication and a potential complication for removing the lower wall.
Also joist directions are a good clue, supporting walls usually run perpendicular to the joists which in turn will (really should!) be perpendicular to the floorboards above.

If you have good indications that the wall is structural my next port of call would be the engineer; they would be able to give you a definite answer and tell you what support is required.

From second hand evidence builders (competent ones at least) tend to use a bigger beam than is often necessary (working with what they are used to) - which will provide ample support but impose more in the room below and cost more.

When (if) you look for an engineer make sure they are suitably qualified. There was a thread on here a week or two ago by someone saying they had hired an engineer of vague details and had lots of complications thereafter. A Chartered Structural or Chartered Civil engineer would fit the ticket.