Moving a window, difference of opinion.

[sentinal73]

Hi all,

I'm looking into having a new kitchen installed. I would like to block up the current window (it looks onto the neighbours wall, across a shared alleyway, not a nice sight!) and have a new window installed looking into my garden, which isn't over looked by neighbours.

The location of the new window will be under an existing rsj which was installed previously when an internal supporting wall was removed (structural engineer and building control used)

Here's my query! I've had 3 builders round so far, all giving different answers, one saying don't worry, don't tell anyone , just put a lintel up and if anyone complains, apply for it after and you'll be fine (I'm assuming he means pp?) To another saying he'll get a structural engineer to assess whether it needs a lintel or rsj put in (but didn't mention pp or anything)

What would be the right thing to do? The right process?

Thanks

 

[^woody^]

Here's your fourth answer and if I may be so bold, your better answer.

You wont need planning permission and no-one can complain.

You will need building regulation approval for creating the opening - structural support of the wall above, structural stability of the corner of the house, DPC, installing a suitable window with ventilation. If electics are involved then that too will need building regualtion approval or you can use an approved electrician who can self-certify his work

If a steel beam will be above the opening, then you may well need another steel beam on the inside over the window and not just a normal lintel. You can have a lintel on the outside though. A structural engineer may well be required to assess loads and calculate a beam size or if a lintel will be suitable, and stability of the walls.

A good test of any builder is whether he tells you if building regulations are required or not without you having asked.

 

[sentinal73]

Thanks woody

I do play ignorance sometimes when builders come round, you've put me at ease.

My worry is the existing rsj that is supporting the internal wall that was removed will be above the new opening.

So I could get a structural engineer in myself and pass the details onto the builder?

Thanks

 

[^woody^]

There is going to be a point load above the opening, and so you tend to find that you need a substantial beam across the opening to deal with this. An engineer will need to work out what loads are being transferred to the wall at the opening and then work out what is needed to support this. Building control will want calculations for this, so it does not matter if you or the builder instruct an engineer, but the important thing is that someone actually considers it, and does not just throw in any old thing.

 

[sentinal73]

Thanks woody, great advice. Really reassuring, confirmed a few things that I thought too. Cheers!