cost of adding steel beam support in kitchen

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newbridge
newbridge Posts: 249 Forumite
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edited 24 February 2016 at 10:45PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
Found out that the kitchen extension that was done some 40 years ago wasn't done properly. Would appreciate if any one has fixed anything like below and approximate cost.

- Adding steel beam for support
- Adding support for chimney breast that was removed.


Thanks in advance x
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  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
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    Building and extension constructions?
    Opening size?
    Chimney size?
    Weight that needs supporting in both cases?
    Size/depth of the footings below the walls that will have the RSJ on?

    Far too many variables to be giving you anywhere near an idea!
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,834 Forumite
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    How do you know it wasn't done properly?

    After 40 years, I'd be surprised.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • FTBSteve
    FTBSteve Posts: 23 Forumite
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    I have exactly the same issue/question.

    I can help with the cost of the architect who will need to make calculations ("drawings") so that you can get the right sort of beam and get planning permission - £650-900 within London

    I don't know the cost of the actual beam though... would be very helpful to know, as that's the next step for us!
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 33,834 Forumite
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    FTBSteve wrote: »
    I have exactly the same issue/question.

    I can help with the cost of the architect who will need to make calculations ("drawings") so that you can get the right sort of beam and get planning permission - £650-900 within London

    I don't know the cost of the actual beam though... would be very helpful to know, as that's the next step for us!

    You don't need planning permission or drawings for simply removing a wall or taking out a chimney breast. No planning permission needed for internal alterations.

    Listed buildings would need Listed Building Consent, that is all.

    You need a structural engineer's calculations to give striaght to the builder. Something simple can be as little as £150 for the calcs.

    The OP needs a structural engineer to calculate the existing loads.

    You, Steve, will need Building Regulations Approval, but again, no drawings necessary, just the calcs.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,097 Community Admin
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    who are all these architects calculating structural loads and beam sizes?
    can't imagine any PI insurers being happy with that situation!

    a structural engineer is the person that needs to advise, if it's stood for 40 years with a structural defect is it really a defect?
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
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    Agreed. 40 years is one heck of a time for something not fit for the job to last! How do you know it is wrong?

    A structural engineer will do calculations (and drawings if needed), no an architect. If you have had an architect do it he has likely passed them to someone he uses, then added a fee on top, and thrown some drawings in for good measure...at a cost!

    Regards
    Phil
  • Lungboy
    Lungboy Posts: 1,953 Forumite
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    RSJs aren't expensive unless you need something unusual.
  • newbridge
    newbridge Posts: 249 Forumite
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    thanks for replies..
    I know its not right and has been done before approx 35-40 years because a surveryor has mentioned. It is a flat roof kitchen extension in which chimney was also removed.
    Nothing has happened to it but I want to make it right as its been highlighted.

    The width is around 13 feet.
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  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
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    Only a structural engineer would be able to tell you for definite that something was amiss. You will need one for calcs for any beams, then speak to a reputable builder for a quote. As I mentioned there are too many variables that need to be quantified first.
  • FTBSteve
    FTBSteve Posts: 23 Forumite
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    Thanks guys - I realise my terminology was all over the place in my first post now :-)

    As everyone's identified:
    It's a structural engineer who should be doing the calculations/drawings, not an architect
    It's Building Control who need to approve it, not planning permission

    What's the recommended method for finding a reliable structural engineer?
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