Hi there would like some advice on where to start with this one. I have recently had builders in to do some work and theyve uncovered that the beam where the load bearing wall was in the living room is the wrong way around and too short. Now I’m happy to get it fixed obviously. But I’m terrified of what else I may find….
When we bought our 1930s house not two years ago I had a structural survey undertaken because all the alterations we were told was done decades before, long before their relative had owned the home, (it was being sold by executers) therefore there was no BC paperwork for any work.
The chimney breasts for the rear chimney have been removed both downstairs and in the bedroom leaving the brickwork still in the roof space and the stack still intact. It’s a semi detached so it’s obviously a shared wall and the neighbours still have their chimney breasts etc. I’ve checked my report today and there’s no mention of the breasts being removed or the stack in the roof or anything about it’s stability. There is a photo in the report of the roof space with information about the roof but it completely ignores the integrity of the chimney brickwork in there. (The photo even shows the brickwork for both chimneys!) For the chimney stack on the roof it just says usual things but no mention of it being supported ok. A friend has said they believe that the brickwork in the roof space will all be tied into and part of the wall and so it won’t be going anywhere. (The haven’t seen it directly tho) But I still can’t help wonder because now I know ot actually hasn’t been checked out thoroughly closely by anyone properly. I mentioned it in passing to the builder I have in at present and he didn’t seem keen to go and look for me. I suppose given the rsj in the living room is wrong isn’t a good sign. Would there be lots of evidence in the walls below if there was a lack of support to the chimney?
Problem is I don’t want to employ a structural engineer again if it’s just going to be pointed out that it needs looking at. (Or missed as in the original report). What do I need to open up for it to be looked at properly by someone? Should I ask building control for advice or not get them involved? Was it never mentioned in the report because it’s not even an issue. He’s clearly seen the brickwork in the roof because there’s a photo of it. Should I go back to that engineer and ask the question despite it being nearly two years later?
Do I ask another builder to just come and have a look?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
When we bought our 1930s house not two years ago I had a structural survey undertaken because all the alterations we were told was done decades before, long before their relative had owned the home, (it was being sold by executers) therefore there was no BC paperwork for any work.
The chimney breasts for the rear chimney have been removed both downstairs and in the bedroom leaving the brickwork still in the roof space and the stack still intact. It’s a semi detached so it’s obviously a shared wall and the neighbours still have their chimney breasts etc. I’ve checked my report today and there’s no mention of the breasts being removed or the stack in the roof or anything about it’s stability. There is a photo in the report of the roof space with information about the roof but it completely ignores the integrity of the chimney brickwork in there. (The photo even shows the brickwork for both chimneys!) For the chimney stack on the roof it just says usual things but no mention of it being supported ok. A friend has said they believe that the brickwork in the roof space will all be tied into and part of the wall and so it won’t be going anywhere. (The haven’t seen it directly tho) But I still can’t help wonder because now I know ot actually hasn’t been checked out thoroughly closely by anyone properly. I mentioned it in passing to the builder I have in at present and he didn’t seem keen to go and look for me. I suppose given the rsj in the living room is wrong isn’t a good sign. Would there be lots of evidence in the walls below if there was a lack of support to the chimney?
Problem is I don’t want to employ a structural engineer again if it’s just going to be pointed out that it needs looking at. (Or missed as in the original report). What do I need to open up for it to be looked at properly by someone? Should I ask building control for advice or not get them involved? Was it never mentioned in the report because it’s not even an issue. He’s clearly seen the brickwork in the roof because there’s a photo of it. Should I go back to that engineer and ask the question despite it being nearly two years later?
Do I ask another builder to just come and have a look?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.