Spent 2K on architect - builder says rsj is illegal

blueeyes777 · 17 Mar 2015

Hi all -
it's good to be here and I would really appreciate some advice please.
My architect was commissioned to do drawings, plans, calc etc for a full hip top gable dormer and my chosen builder has said that the plans call for demolishing the loft to put steel beams in which he doesn't think needs to happen, but of greater concern is that he says that the plans show that an RSJ is to go into the chimney which apparently is illegal.

I have uploaded the plan here - could anybody please advise me whether this plans do suggest this and if I should challenge my architect.
Originally, I was quoted 32k to build this, but now this has gone up to way beyond 40k. My builder says that I need to get a new architect and start again!
//www.diynot.com/network/blueeyes777/albums/

My plans are attached - I would be grateful if anybody could advise please.

RonnyRaygun · 17 Mar 2015

It's a definite no no if the chimney is live.

Even if the flue is no longer in use it is not good practice as there is risk of damage to the mortar and bricks from sulphur etc in the smoke and soot and the bearing capacity is likely to be far lower than nearby masonry.

Ideally it needs to be trimmed and support taken elsewhere.

I doubt building control would be happy with the detail shown.

freddiemercurystwin · 17 Mar 2015

I can only see one image and that's this one:

View media item 91648
And that's too small to read .....

blueeyes777 · 17 Mar 2015

sorry could not upload a bigger file.
I will try again

blueeyes777 · 23 Mar 2015

hi - i have tried to upload another picture - is it easier to read please?

RobQ8 · 25 Mar 2015

blueeyes777 said:
hi - i have tried to upload another picture - is it easier to read please?

Still having trouble reading them (on ipad here). Maybe try uploading them to somewhere like photobucket and linking to them. Section drawings A-A and B-B would also be helpful.

freddiemercurystwin · 25 Mar 2015

Yep, still can't read them, either post some high resolution scans or the thread ain't going anywhere. And an existing plan and the sections whilst you're at it. If you want comment on the nuts & bolts of the drawing content we gotta be able to read the nuts & bolts.

View media item 92070

blueeyes777 · 2 Apr 2015

cjard · 2 Apr 2015

Well, he's drawn a lot of stuff. 2K's not bad! If he'd been a structural engineer doing that many drawings the fee might have been more than double

Did you intend to also include a load of pictures of items related to your financial position?

freddiemercurystwin · 2 Apr 2015

cjard said:
Well, he's drawn a lot of stuff. 2K's not bad!

You think cjard? Have you looked at the drawings?

blueeyes777 · 2 Apr 2015

oh dear, Freddy - this sound ominous.

blueeyes777 · 2 Apr 2015

my builder is due to start on the 15th - is there going to be a problem?

jeds · 2 Apr 2015

The main ridge beam does appear to sit on the chimney breast. You don't say if the chimney is live. Have you asked your architect for clarification?

blueeyes777 · 2 Apr 2015

I am afraid your are not reaidng this correctly.

B1 is going into B6 – The chimney is below and shown in position in the event that you want to keep it for cost / viaual reasons. B6 is spaning over the chimeny like the hammermith flyover the roundabout. They work independently. Not on the party wall, B6 Is runnig in the same direction as the exising joist so no head height is lost in the loft space. When the chimney for the loft gets demolished you take it to the ceiling level level which means the steel goes in that void.

i...here is the reply from the architect

blueeyes777 · 2 Apr 2015

Sorry...the whole post above was the reply from my architect.

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Spent 2K on architect - builder says rsj is illegal

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