Hiding an RSJ

[Glastoun]

How much extra would we expect to pay to get supporting-wall-removed RSJ hidden in a ceiling void and leaving a flush ceiling between two rooms?

I.e. if our quote for removing the wall, fitting RSJ below ceiling level, boxing it up and making good all plaster etc was £1500, and we asked them to hide it in the ceiling void, after the sharp intake of air through the teeth how much would they ask for?

Does it depend on the structure? And would it involve disruption upstairs, e.g. to floorboards and walls?

 

[jeds]

Depends on the depth of the beam and how the floor joists fix to the new beam. Even if it's simple it is definitely a lot more fiddly. I would say it would add between £300 and £600.

 

[Glastoun]

The RSJ will run parallel to the existing floor joists, so it won't (shouldn't?) come into contact with them, just the padstones and the wall above it - does that make it simpler?

 

[jeds]

Joists running alongside the new beam throws up two difficulties. First it is much more difficult to temporary support the wall above. Probably the only solution will be to cut holes through the wall in the room above to allow needles to be installed. Secondly the joists alongside make it impossible to get at the gap between beam and wall above to pack it properly. The solution to that is to muck the top of the beam and then offer it up to the underside of wall and then build the supports afterwards. A right load of hassle. Your up at the £600 end -at least.