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Extensions

Bi-fold Doors Install and Internal (Load Bearing) Wall Removal

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.36 PM

Hi, I am looking to make changes to my current extension, installed previously to me buying the house. It is a single storey rear extension, of approx dimensions 6m x 2m. I would firstly like to remove whats left of the original external wall which is currently in the center of my kitchen. There is already archway installed, but I would like the entire wall removed and obviously a supporting RSJ installed to hold the back of the house up. Secondly I would like approx 4m Bifold Doors installed across the back of the extension. Currently there is a small window of approx 500 mm wide at one end and a set of french doors at the other of approx 1400mm wide. I am looking to see if this is even possible and whether this makes financial sense for the space it will give me! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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1 Answer

Anonymous user

Hi Tom, Taking out the entire external wall may not be as straight-forward as installing an 'RSJ'. Under Part A of the building regulations, a certain amount of masonry needs to be retained as nibs at each side of the proposed opening. Measured externally the length of these nibs will be (width of opening) divided by 6 and must be a minimum of 665mm which equates to 3 brick lengths. If you would like to remove the nibs then a steel goalpost will be likely required which consists of a beam spanning across two columns. These columns can be hidden within the depth of the inner leaf and cavity of a cavity wall if required. 4m wide bi-fold doors shouldn't be a problem. A steel lintel beam design will be required which would incorporate a bottom shelf plate for the outer leaf to be built off. Hope this helps, Matt

Answered12 April 2018