Supporting Wall ?

[Georgie73]

Hi
My son has got his eye on a bedsit - have looked at it with him - it's quite spacious and he wants to convert the kitchen into a bedroom - by pinching a bit of the living room space.

I think the wall he needs to knock down is a supporting wall but don't know how to tell. If it is, can it still be done? Is this where you would need to fit an RSJ.

It's a leasehold property so I'd guess you would have to obtain official approval before doing the work - anyone have experience of this?

Cheers
G

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Yes, it can still be done. If you aren't confident might be best to get a builder to advise you, but it's quite easy to work out if the wall is supporting loads from above.
Firstly try to find out if it supports floor / ceiling joists. You can get joist detectors that will tell you the direction of the joists without making holes in the ceiling (although they don't work very well on lath and plaster ceilings).
Alternatively, have a word with the person in the flat above (if anyone). They will be able to tell you if there is a wall above the wall in your son's flat (you might need to take measurements). They also might know which way the floor boards span (perpendicular to joists).

If it is a supporting wall, you will need an SE to design a beam and pad stones for you, and they should also check any extra loads onto existing footings.

You'll certainly need building regs approval and permission from the freeholder.

 

[^woody^]

... he wants to convert the kitchen into a bedroom - by pinching a bit of the living room space.

Then where will the kitchen be?