Load bearing walls?

[noyk]

I have a bungalow which i'm hoping to convert (see my other threads). It has brick internal walls on the ground floor that are used to support the ceiling joists (2x4" across 3-4m spans at 400mm spacings i think). Would these walls be capable of greater loads (i.e. floors, when using larger joists), how would i find out? I will at some point get a structural engineer to visit but for the time being i'm just trying to work out the basics of what needs doing, whether i need big steels or only small ones etc etc. Do i need to dig a hole in my concrete floor to see what these walls are supported on?
Thanks

 

[Static]

Chances are the actual masonry can support the extra load, unless you have small piers or poor quality blockwork that crumbles in your hand..
Foundations may need to be assessed but its alot down to the amount of load your increasing on the wall..
All the questions you are asking will be covered when you SE comes to visit, and yes they may want trail holes dug at some point.. or they may not..