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Removing structural walls - is it always possible?

Anonymous user 15/03/2024 - 2.42 PM

We are looking at purchasing a property which has previously had an extension across the back of the property, resulting in an L-shaped kitchen/diner wrapping around a reception room. We want to remove the dividing wall between the original kitchen and reception room, and the original 'rear wall' to make one large room. If we can't do this work (or something very similar) we wouldn't want to buy the house. I'm wondering if there is ever a reason why a structural wall can't be removed and replaced with supporting steels? What should we be looking to work out the likelihood of success? The property is a 30/40s brick build in north london, originally a 3 bed semi, extended to 5 bed. Happy to share a link if that helps Thanks Ben

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Most structural walls can be replaced by beams or a network of beams BUT the more steel and less structural wall the more expensive it will be. Also with an existing house (or building of any type) is repacking any wall with a beam can overload the wall at the the ends of the beam where it rests on the wall. A padstone is normally required to spread the additional loading to a level the wall can support. Furthermore if the subsequent loading is more than the foundations were designed for can bring about another set of difficulties with differential movement. Old buildings have often 'got used' to their environment and already moved and settled over the years to reach a 'happy' equilibrium. Alter that situation and you can be opening up 'a whole can of worms'. Always use chartered consultants to advice on any structural or building design matter.

Answered12 September 2018

Cadvis3d Limited

Rating: 5 out of 5

Huddersfield

anything is possible - it all depends on how much money you want to spend and if the expense is worth the outcome...a good structural engineer can advise you best

Answered1 October 2018