Internal Step on Old External Wall

Options
dickibobboy
dickibobboy Posts: 1,054 Forumite
First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
Good Evening,

The house i’m currently renovating to move into has a step from the kitchen to the dining room (1920/30s house, double skin brick)

The kitchen is an extension onto the house done quite a number of years ago (probably 20+). The double doors into the kitchen to the dining room was where the original external window once was.

A step between the two rooms ia one brick high + 2 bricks thick (a little taller allowing for cement etc..)

Do you think there is any real reason for this to have been left in when it was changed? It would be so much better without although i suppose if the kitchen ever flooded it would stay contained!

Thanks
Things that are free in life are great, well most of the time :beer:

Comments

  • Davesnave
    Davesnave Posts: 34,741 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Photogenic First Post
    Options
    dickibobboy wrote: »
    Do you think there is any real reason for this to have been left in when it was changed? It would be so much better without although i suppose if the kitchen ever flooded it would stay contained!
    We have similar at the junction between our main bungalow and its extension, done in 1988. With a bit of jiggery-pokery, we've reduced the 50mm diference to around 25mm, but we couldn't get rid of it completely. Previously, the hall had a ramp built in.

    According to the people who lived here at the time, the reason for the discrepancy is very simple: the builders were idiots!
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 14,631 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper Photogenic
    Options
    If it is a step down into the extension, then the difference can be built up with timber & plywood (or even a layer of screed). There is an opportunity to insulate and/or install underfloor heating at the same time. That said, if there are any other doors in the extension, then that adds an additional problem.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • dickibobboy
    dickibobboy Posts: 1,054 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    The heights of the floors in both rooms are pretty much the same which is why it seems pretty strange.

    The external door on the extension is also at similar height.

    Here’s a picture if anyone’s interested

    Link
    Things that are free in life are great, well most of the time :beer:
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 14,631 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper Photogenic
    Options
    An absolutely pointless obstruction with no logical purpose. I would certainly take a hammer & chisel to it. I assume the floors either side are at the same level ?
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • dickibobboy
    dickibobboy Posts: 1,054 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    That’s all i keep thinking. I can’t see how it would be any way kept for any reason.

    Going to have a word with the joiner regarding sorting out the door frame if i were to take it out.

    The sizes are already custom for the doors there so making them a little bit taller shouldn’t be a problem that way.
    Things that are free in life are great, well most of the time :beer:
  • dickibobboy
    dickibobboy Posts: 1,054 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    So i took this task on today, I removed the first course of bricks to find another course that stuck up around an inch. I attempted to stitch drill these level however the began to crumble so i took them out.

    The the old step is now a dip! One side is old flagstone and the other side is contrete floor with the damp proof membrane just sticking out.

    What would be the best way to proceed, as simple as preparing the surface and filling with concrete level or would i need to do something else first?
    Things that are free in life are great, well most of the time :beer:
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 14,631 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper Photogenic
    Options
    Remove as much of the old bricks & mortar as you can to leave a channel 75-100mm deep. Put a thin layer of mortar in to give a smooth & level surface. Use a strip of plastic sheet to form a bathtub in the channel and fill this with concrete level with the floor either side. Chances are, one side will be lower than the other.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 248K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards