Is it safe to live with exposed RSJs

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Hi there, this is my first post do don't be harsh.
We hired someone to remove chimney breasts and load bearing wall between two chimney breasts(kitchen and dining room). We were completely ignorant of the hiring process (references, contract, payment and time schedule). We had no idea about the work as this is our first house and we did not grow up in the UK. Where we grew up there are no chimneys and an entirely different construction method (concrete slabs and floors). We thought we are safe as we are hiring someone through my builder who was interviewed, insured and had good reviews. Anyway.... Builder had no idea of the work involved and no knowledge about building regulations. Builder sub contracted RSJ job to someone with 50 yrs of RSJ experience as we were told. Yes we were naive enough to believe verbal assurances.
Anyway .....
1. Wall is removed and red oxide painted 2 RSJs bolted together are inserted. 4m steel beams in the ceiling rests on another 2 steel upright beams bolted(If it is the right word)to the walls and some length into the ground(floor). Is this the right way to do? I read about brick piers and padstone so a bit suspicious.
2. There was a window in the wall removed which was just an opening after wall removal. It was left open for 2 nights with the old window pushed against it. On the third day it was boarded up. It is still boarded up.
3. Looking at builders ignorance we applied for building regs ourself. BCO came on a week's time and asked for calcs and to open the foundation. Builder says sub contractor has submitted calcs to LA. LA is playing hard. It is been over two weeks since RSJ installation. Are we smoke and mirrors situation.
My question though is, is it safe for me and my family to live in the house with uncovered RSJs and boarded up door/window opening. Are uncovered RSJs a fire hazard? Please advise.
 
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When building our extension we were told by our building inspector that exposed RSJs are illegal as they are a fire hazard. We were told that we must cover all RSJs with two layers of plasterboard.
 
When building our extension we were told by our building inspector that exposed RSJs are illegal as they are a fire hazard. We were told that we must cover all RSJs with two layers of plasterboard.

Not exactly a fire hazard in themselves more that unless protected from fire they can bend in a fire under the weight of the building above and the building can collapse!
 
When building our extension we were told by our building inspector that exposed RSJs are illegal as they are a fire hazard. We were told that we must cover all RSJs with two layers of plasterboard.

Not exactly a fire hazard in themselves more that unless protected from fire they can bend in a fire under the weight of the building above and the building can collapse!
That's what I meant to say - they're not a fire hazard, but are more hazardous in a fire if uncovered ;)
 
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Thank you for your quick response.
1) Can i continue to stay until they are covered or move out ?
2) Assuming the builder is honest, does the LABC have a time limit to respond?
3) What are my options if builder is not responding to LABC needs? Builders details are on building regs form and a supporting letter is also attached.
 
I don't think anybody can force you to move out. The work is still in progress so does not need to meet building regulations. I lived in my house for months with no back wall, exposed RSJ, no hot water heating or lighting... It is to be expected that the property will not meet regs while work is being carried out. But it would, presumably, not be mortgageable or insurable until the work is completed and has been signed off by building control.

If the builder does not respond to demands to complete the work and get it up to meet building regs, you will have to check your contract with the builder. What specifically did you pay him to do? If your contract states that he will complete the work to building regs standard then you are entitled to demand that he either completes the work or refunds [some of] your money. If, however, the contract states that he will install the RSJ but states nothing beyond this, then your only option might be to complete the work yourself or pay someone else to do it.
 
Thank you mashley. My contract is not very explicit(big mistake... in hindsight). Just bullet points.
-‎Take down wall
-Install RSJ
-Call building control
-Put garden door in wall
-Cover RSJ
(no plastering)
 
Thank you mashley. My contract is not very explicit(big mistake... in hindsight). Just bullet points.
-‎Take down wall
-Install RSJ
-Call building control
-Put garden door in wall
-Cover RSJ
(no plastering)
Well, the contract specifies that your builder will cover the RSJ. If they did not do that then they are in breach of the contract and thus liable to either complete the work at no additional cost or reimburse you.
 
Exposed steel beams are safe to live with

In a fire situation, it takes a good while for any fire to get up to a temperature which could affect a beam, and then a further long time for the beam to be actually affected. In that time you are out the house, and if not, are dead already from the heat or smoke.

In contract terms, if you engage someone to install a beam, then it is implied that it will be installed to any required regualtions and be safe. That does not have to be written down. Part of that is covering the beam to meet any regulation required.
 
I think your main issue here is that the BCO wants to see the SEs calcs etc.
Do they exist and has the work been constructed in accordance?
 
I think your main issue here is that the BCO wants to see the SEs calcs etc.
Do they exist and has the work been constructed in accordance?
Yes, BCO asked for calls. I asked builder and builder said calcs are submitted to LABC. I am thinking of calling LABC to confirm.
 
On a second thought .... should i just pester builder and let him deal with LABC.
 
no, this is your issue I'm afraid: The "contract" states the builder will call the council....no indication of what he said! Give the right person at the council a call and explain what you have told this forum.....

Chances are you'll need to get someone to do the calcs after all, and the BCO will want to see what he has done with the vertical beams (which presumably are down into concrete?)
 
It seems sub contractor brought(reluctantly?) SE in to show the work. Was moaning it cost him extra £400, blaming us for supplying form after work. We told him before he started work and again when he started work that we couldn't submit the form as we didn't have the work description ( beam measurements and calcs). Once he filled in the deacription I submitted form and fee on the same day. He says he is doing this work for many years and never needed calcs. BCO never asked for it but we didn't do things in time so BC is now getting picky.
I expressed my surprise about getting away without SE calcs. To my knowledge they are always required. Could he be right though?
Second, the wall we removed was partly internal and partly external. Window from the external part is removed. It was to be replaced by a door(glazed uPVC) which we have supplied. Now that the wall is removed and an opening is left, Builder is now asking more money to fit the door. Is this normal? We thought fitting door/window was part of the contract. What option do we have?
 

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