Removal of loading bearing wall

stuart45

Aliss08 said:

Obviously I believe the SE but I guess he could be wrong.  Sheramber the vendor did eventually find the estimate from the builder which stated that it wasn’t a load bearing wall and that a steel had been inserted but no calculations or anything.  He has long since retired.

Exactly what has caused the movement!  

The odds are that the SE is correct. Unusual for a builder to put in a steel where it's not required. 

markin

Lifting floor boards would I think let you see the joists and beam.

But clearly she is digging in on the word of a builder, you may have to walk or eat the cost to fix it.

GDB2222

Clearly, the house owner does not want you to be able to prove that major work is required, as she wants you to proceed on the existing price.

Equally clearly, this would not be in your interests, and you need a major price reduction.

I fear the price negotiation will not go well. The house owner quite likely hopes that, if you walk away from this deal, she will find some mug who won't worry about structural defects. 

Aliss08

Hi all,

A further update. The owner has today received the regularisation certificate from the council and I have a copy.  It states the wall was load bearing but nothing as to how they reached the conclusion that all is as it should be.  I was thinking I will try and speak to the Building Control Manager tomorrow just to put my mind at rest.  My solicitor is happy for me to proceed.  

robatwork

How's it going @Aliss08 ?

Aliss08

@robatwork

I spoke to the Building Control Surveyor and he stated that the steel beam bears onto a timber headplate which is supported by a double stud which used to form the framework of a door opening, the studwork is providing adequate support to the beam which is not carrying much load at all and there is no sign of any movement.

We are proceeding with the purchase and really hoping we don’t live to regret it.

Mutton_Geoff

The vendor must have photos of the work? 2011 is recent enough for phones to have cameras and digital photography to be very common.

Almost everyone I know, self included, takes dozens of photos of home improvement work.

Section62

Mutton_Geoff said:

The vendor must have photos of the work? 2011 is recent enough for phones to have cameras and digital photography to be very common.

Almost everyone I know, self included, takes dozens of photos of home improvement work.

The vendor's opening gambit was denying knowledge of what was done....  Now they already have the regularisation certificate I doubt they will suddenly remember the pictures they took of the work being done, or any other documentation.

user1977

Mutton_Geoff said:

The vendor must have photos of the work? 2011 is recent enough for phones to have cameras and digital photography to be very common.

Almost everyone I know, self included, takes dozens of photos of home improvement work.

I don’t have all that many pics even of stuff I’ve DIYed, never mind work which I’ve left to tradespeople. So I don’t think “must” is the correct word here.