Knocking down a load bearing wall- approx how much?

[blainey]

Hi everyone
I am about to knock down a load bearing wall- I've had drawings and calculations done for the building warrant and that including the warrant itself has already cost me £500. The wall is about 2 metres wide and will need a concrete support across the top. I was wondering if anyone could give me a rough estimate of what it's likely to cost (given that I have already got the warrant), I have no idea and don't want to be ripped off!!! Also I'm in the Glasgow area if any local builders would like to give me a quote....
Thanks
Al

 

[Static]

How large is the concrete beam? is it a prestressed pc beam?

 

[blainey]

Hi
It will be about 2.25 metres long. I'm not sure about whether it's prestressed or not- architect still has to post us back the warrant with his drawings.
Thanks
Al

 

[Static]

Well, if its a prestressed pc lintel you can buy them from builders merchants and they can cost as little as £50 .. IF its not and its an insitu concrete beam!! then the cost could be 10x that. I would guess/hope its a simple prestressed lintel.
Cost will be a little dependant on what you ask the builder to do, what extras. Be warned youll pay for propping of upper floors and employing at least 2-3 builders (just to lift the beam it could weigh about 120kg), as well as the cost of removing the wall and cost of a skip.
Then factor in if you want them to replaster the walls and or paint/wall paper.
Best to get Architects/Engineers drawings and get 3+ quotes from builders.

 

[blainey]

Thanks very much for the advice. I had a couple of quotes done before I got the drawings done and they all came in around about £2000. Do you reckon that's reasonable?
Thanks
Al

 

[Static]

Im no expert on price, but would estimate 1000-1500 for a basic wall opening with little or no decorating. Your builders estimates may change when you get revised drawings.

 

[blainey]

I'm not sure if that initial quote was pricing in the cost of drawings and calculations- I hope so because i've already paid out £500 for these and £2000 on top of that would make it really pricey!
Thanks
Al

 

[blainey]

Just to let people know- I managed to get a quote of £620 for this job including disposal of wall and plastering. Not bad considering the first quote of £2000 I had!!
Al

 

[chappers]

that sounds more like it its only a days work for two men.

 

[Nige F]

Disposal of wall........Aye, by someone who had practised on the Berlin one

 

[blainey]

Hey don't get me nervous ! I'm at work and the builders are getting to work on the wall as I type! There are only 2 of them and they said they'll be finished by Wed (it's Mon now). I'll let you know how it turns out!
Al

 

[blainey]

Hey there
The wall is down and the lintel is up and plastered. Looks pretty good to me and they took away all the rubble.
Al

 

[Suman]

Hey £620 is very good deal, can u let me know the builder as i'm also about to take down a wall of similar size.

Thanks

 

[Suman]

I'm in Glasgow as well

 

[breezer]

Hey £620 is very good deal, can u let me know the builder as i'm also about to take down a wall of similar size.

Thanks

doubt it. blainey made that post in 2006, and last posted In February 2007