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Conversions

What does an irregular-shaped house mean for the costs of an open plan conversion?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.40 PM

We are looking at buying a semi-detached house built around the 1930s. The house has a slightly irregular shape - the two side walls are not parallel, so the house is 1m or so wider at the back than the front. We want to remove two perpendicular internal load-bearing walls (~3m each) that currently separate the kitchen from the reception and the hallway (which may require a pillar). This will create an open plan kitchen-diner, and we will use part of the old kitchen space to create a downstairs bathroom. My question is what might be a ballpark range of costs for the structural work (removing walls and doorways etc.)? And what extra costs does the irregularity of the building add to the cost? I'm concerned that costs of RSJs and structural engineering fees could spiral if the shape adds complexity. Any advice gratefully received!

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2 Answers

Walker renovations

No reviews yet

Milton Keynes
Hi The price should not change because of the shape of the building as there will still be a point where you can place padstones and RSJ. You may need a return of brickwork or pillar to place steels on. But this should still be a pretty straight forward job. Obviously without any dimensions or viewing etc impossible to quote. Many regards Walker Renovations
Answered2 March 2021
13

Patrick Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5
Orpington
Hi there, any job which involves new steel work could spiral out of control if you let it. It doesn’t matter about the width being wider in some places then others. My first port of call is to engage a structural engineer. Find out how many steels will be required as sometimes you may need steels either side of the wall plus footings which again is extra work. Once the drawings have been done to all of your required works then have at least 3 good builders round to give you a quote for the works. Make sure they are insured. Once the plans have been submitted to the council then it’s uo to them to approve BUT the DS from the council may alter them once works are underway so beware as this could be costly. I am sorry that I cannot give you a price . Good luck
Answered3 March 2021
0