Bi folding doors queries

lucyknox

Hello,

I am having problems get a straight answer from builders with their quotes and need some help.
I am planning on building an extension and would like a cantilever roof (obviously supported with steel beams) The extension size will be 4.5m x 6m.
I would like corner bi folding doors with a floating central column so we have un obstructive access and views. The doors will be 3m x 3m I know it will all be expensive so I'm trying to figure out how much cheaper it would be if we did have a central column supporting the new structure and doors instead of cantilever.
If its a huge amount then obviously we will go for the cheaper option but all the builders we have spoken to won't give me a proper comparison on prices. I think they are hoping we go for the cantilever as it's obviously more expensive??

Can anyone help me figure out how much we could save with a supporting column?

Many Thanks,

Lucy

System

You will only have unobstructed views on the odd occasion you have the doors fully open, the rest of the time you're going to be looking at loads of frame...

Doozergirl

You need to specify it but the cost difference will be huge as the cantilever needs to go somewhere and a builder is nowhere near qualified to guess. It isn't bread and butter work.

You need a structural engineer. I couldn't even begin to estimate something that vague but you will be ripping up part of the existing house to make it happen and with that goes all the cost of putting it back together.

Having a pillar, even a pole, would fit more within the realms of ordinary work.

r_sole is right though, bi-folds are a bit of an odd choice for uninterupted views if you want to spend thousands extra on avoiding a column.

greenface

See another builder or find a good structural engineer who knows a good builder and see some more . If it helps 2 x bi folds in standard grey aluminium 3 leaf in each should cost trade about 10k ish .plus fitting Although ive never fitted any bifolds with a floating double end . Will look great though .