How can I fix overspanning in a dodgy loft conversion?

[maggleteamonkey]

We've been advised that the loft conversion in our recently bought property in Birmingham failed it's building inspection due to overspanning of the joists and a lack of double trimmers round the stair opening. We don't really know where to start with putting it right! Is it a big job to take up all the floors and replace the joists with something better? Could we just put RSJs in place underneath? Would we need a specialist builder to do this -if so what would we be looking for? thanks so much for any advice

 

[Notch7]

We've been advised that the loft conversion in our recently bought property in Birmingham failed it's building inspection due to overspanning of the joists and a lack of double trimmers round the stair opening. We don't really know where to start with putting it right! Is it a big job to take up all the floors and replace the joists with something better? Could we just put RSJs in place underneath? Would we need a specialist builder to do this -if so what would we be looking for? thanks so much for any advice

I would ask the building inspector what they want done. They might tell you what needs doing, although it isnt their job to design or specify.

Otherwise you might need a structural engineer to have a look and tell what has to be done. (he will need the nec structure exposed, I would think). If the conversion has been badly done, you might want a structural engineer to have a look for piece of mind.

Then you need a chippie to do the work, or a builder. And any plastering / decorating.

So did the previous builder ignore what the building inspector said and continued construction? Im just wondering the sequence of events.

 

[maggleteamonkey]

I'm afraid so -it's the inspector who told us that it's overspanned

 

[tony1851]

What is the span, and what size are the floor joists?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Are there any stud walls beneath the spans (and at right angles) which could be converted into structural stud walls in order to satisfy the BCO? This will possibly require the services of a structural engineer to do the calcs, but may be worth looking into