Will I need structural engineers?

[gwallt71]

I live in a 1900's terraced house and will be installing a set of 4' French doors between my living room and back room (basically a knockthrough)Will I need to get a structural engineer in? Someone told me not to bother, as the house is so old.Its more for post war houses.Is this true? And will it effect the re-selling of the house?

 

[tony1851]

If it is a structural alteration, you need to notify building control. It will be a 'structural alteration' if the wall supports a wall, floor or any other load above, or if it provides lateral stability to the house

If the wall is performing a load-bearing function, you will need to put a beam in. Depending on the span, this may or may not require structural calculations - your building inspector would advise. On a 4 ft span, a couple of 8x2 timbers nailed together would suffice,

The council will issue a certificate on satisfactory completion.

 

[^woody^]

You won't need an engineer for a 1200 opening