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.
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.