Structural Engineer Calculations

quasiboo

Hi All,

I am in the process of buying a flat and the building survey on it identified a possible issue where the garage that has been converted into a kitchen with bi-folding doors has a possibly sagging lintel. They have advised we hire a structural engineer to carry out calculations (not sure what that means tbh) and am looking for recommendations for the same. We are based in North London in the Highgate area.

Thanks

vw100

Basically the surveyor has spotted the sagging lintel and advises a structural engineer to come and inspect the lintel to check it is safe and the appropriate size and that it can support whatever is above it safely. You have to get your own structural engineer at your expense I would imagine. Search online for a suitable firm/independent engineer.

FreeBear

vw100 wrote: »

Basically the surveyor has spotted the sagging lintel and advises a structural engineer to come and inspect the lintel to check it is safe and the appropriate size and that it can support whatever is above it safely.

The SE will need to look at the beam and possible the supports either end - If it has all been hidden behind plaster, then some of this would need to be removed. As the OP is "in the process of buying", the vendors are unlikely to grant permission for any invasive/destructive investigations.

akira181

I'm not familiar with the house buying process but can't you make an offer pending the outcome of a SE survey of the lintel and if they accept, start discussions about how invasive the SE is allowed to be, repair costs, etc?

Tom99

akira181 wrote: »

I'm not familiar with the house buying process but can't you make an offer pending the outcome of a SE survey of the lintel and if they accept, start discussions about how invasive the SE is allowed to be, repair costs, etc?

Your offer will be subject to contract so you can pull out at any time before you exchange contracts.
If the lintel is obviously sagging then the vendor may well be convinced that any prudent purchaser is going to want to investigate by exposing the beam and maybe supports.

Ganga

Maybe get the owner to pay for the survey IF they want to sell the propety if not walk away.