Building Regulations problem

poppysarah

RSJs have to be put in on proper supports which can be brick pillars but they must meet various requirements and you need the calculation sheet from the structural engineer and the building control officer to come and agree it's right before you replaster etc.

They may continue to settle ontop of the RSJ for some time - two years maybe .
To insert the RSJ they may have to lift or remove things above it which then have to be replaced or settle back. So if it's bricks above then you potentially have more problems to come.

I'd want them organising it, paying for it, redecorating and giving it a long guarantee plus getting all the certificates organised BEFORE buying the house.

I'd be worried they're agreeing to pay now with no intention of paying for it. but I am a worrier. I would also be worried about other structural damage that may happen as a result.

This is maybe why I said to walk away. There's a lot of risk there - although it could all go smoothly, there's a chance it might not.

claire484

Thanks for giving me more info about the RSJ. It's been agreed that all the work will be done before exchange, and that we won't have to part with a penny on this issue.

chappers

First thing you need to do is find a local builder to do the work.
Then you need to get a building regs application form from BC you should only need to do an application for the lowest amount of minor works on the form and submit a building notice rather than a full regs approval.Speak to building control they will probably be able to specify the beam and padstone bearings for you without having to go to the expense of getting a structural engineer, assuming that it is just a four inch brick wall then there are only half a dozen different beams anyway.
Is there a wall above the opening or was the wall only supporting the floor joists.
If you can give me some idea of how many storeys above the opening and the span I could probably specify a beam for you anyway.