Removal of loading bearing wall

Aliss08

Hi,

I asked a local builder to have a look at a house I am buying.  The builder noticed some movement both internally and externally and said that it could have been caused when the wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed.  It was removed by the current owner in 2011.  I asked my conveyancer to check re building regulations but there are none.  The owner has stated that she has no information re the wall being removed but doesn’t believe building regulations were needed.

I understand the next step is to ask a structural engineer to visit the property but he has said that he may need to remove some plaster to check the size of the steels used.   If the owner refuses to allow this what is my next step?  

Would be really grateful for any advice. My buyers have been waiting since May for me to find something so I really don’t want to pull out of the purchase.

Thanks 

stuart45

She should have gone through Building Control. If she refuses to allow the removal of any plaster for the SE, then it's up to you whether or not you want to take the risk. Allow for the possibility that the work was sub standard. 

user1977

Aliss08 said:

I understand the next step is to ask a structural engineer to visit the property but he has said that he may need to remove some plaster to check the size of the steels used.   If the owner refuses to allow this what is my next step?  

1. Cross your fingers and buy it, or
2. Walk away

You say the owner has "no information" about the works but you've also mentioned "steels" - do they at least think there was some steel involved?!

Aliss08

That’s what I think is strange, they actually had the work done so she must have some knowledge or paperwork.  The builder mentioned steels as in checking the right size was used.  

MultiFuelBurner

I blame location location location and Kirstie with her constant need to take down internal walls 🤣🤣

Ms_Chocaholic

Have you had a survey? What did they say?

Aliss08

I haven’t had a survey done but chose to take a builder instead.  

Herzlos

Aliss08 said:

I understand the next step is to ask a structural engineer to visit the property but he has said that he may need to remove some plaster to check the size of the steels used.   If the owner refuses to allow this what is my next step? 

You need to assume that the work is substandard and will need to be re-done, along with potentially repairs elsewhere. You'll then probably want to reduce the price by an appropriate amount.

Does the seller have any plans, paperwork or receipts for it? You may be able to figure out what *should* be there. But you can be pretty sure that if there's movement then something is wrong.

daivid

Aliss08 said:

..The owner has stated that she has no information re the wall being removed but doesn’t believe building regulations were needed…

If the wall wasn’t structural then no BR were needed but then why was a steel needed…

My advice would be be ready to walk or pay (via discount or own pocket) to have the work done properly. The structural engineer visit will cost you a few hundred pounds so I'd consider how likely you are to continue the purchase if major issues are suggested - I suspect even the SE may not be able to definitively diagnose an issue without quite invasive investigation which I suspect they homeowner won’t allow.

You've indicated your not getting a survey so I assume you are purchasing without a mortgage - if I'm wrong and you are getting a mortgage then be prepared for the lender to refuse if there are structural issues.

user1977

daivid said:

Aliss08 said:

..The owner has stated that she has no information re the wall being removed but doesn’t believe building regulations were needed…

If the wall wasn’t structural then no BR were needed

That's not necessarily the case.

km1500

A builder tells you they notice some movement because of an internal wall being taken down

the owner says they have no knowledge of what they did and no documentation -  and you are still thinking of going ahead?