Do you think an open-plan kitchen is for you? Are you planning to knock down walls in your home? You could endanger your family and home by doing so. Your walls serve a purpose, and not just to keep the wind out. Many walls have a structural function and if you don't get expert advice, it could lead to costly repairs or worse. This article will assist you in assembling the right team for your project. A structural engineer might be needed if you have big plans or are removing walls.
This
is a recent Expert Wall Removal Kitchen project in Sully (South Wales). This
wall removal required a lot of planning ahead.
This isn't all there is to it.
All
kinds of kitchen renovations are possible, big and small. No matter the size or complexity of the project we will work with
experts who can focus on the details to ensure that everything is covered. People are embracing the trend of removing walls from their kitchens to
make them more open. A popular way to make the space more open
for families is to combine the old kitchen with the dining room. This topic was the subject of a recent post. Keep in mind that all building work must comply with many regulations
and legal obligations. This blog post is not meant to be a
replacement for professional advice regarding your specific project. This blog post is meant to be a guideline to help you get started. You will need to adhere to building regulations if you are making
structural changes. If your house is a listed structure, you will also need
special permission. You can find all of these details at your
local building regulations office.
It is what's within that matters
It's
not only the wall that you need to remove. You must also consider what's underneath
and inside. You will need to inspect electrical wires, hidden
radiators, and gas pipes. Once a wall is removed, your flooring needs
to be repaired.
Structural engineers
It is relatively easy to remove a non-structural wall without any Internal complications. You will need a sledgehammer, common sense, and a bit of common sense to begin. What if the wall that you are about to tear down is also holding up the rest of your house? Things get more complicated, and you may need the services of a residential engineer.
A
structural engineer is professional civil engineer who has a special
understanding of the forces, loads, and properties of buildings. This includes bridges, tunnels, and skyscrapers. Residential structural engineers specialize in residential building
design, similar to the home you live in. They can calculate the forces that work in
your home. They will make sure that all elements that prevent your
house from falling are correct. It is important to realize that anyone can
be called a structural engineer. You will need to verify your credentials
before you hand over any money or sign any contracts.
A
skilled structural engineer will find a way to satisfy your needs. This
includes balancing the physical capabilities of materials, legislative
requirements, and site constraints.
This
is an example of work done by a structural engineer
Although
it is not mandatory to hire a structural engineer, depending on the job, it may
be very beneficial. The local council will require a set of
detailed drawings to show how the structural work was designed. The drawings must include all load calculations. You will also need to
show that the work was completed according to the structural plans. Do not try to "wing it". You could make a huge mistake in the
structural integrity of your home and it could be disastrous. You will also need to prove that the alterations you have made to your
home are approved by your local building regulations department if you want to
sell it.
A common scenario
Let's
suppose you decide to open your kitchen and knock through to the dining area. It is important to determine if the wall can support loads. I recommend the tap, tap, tap method if you don't have original
architectural drawings for your house. This is where you tap on the wall to hear a
hollow sound. A hollow wall won't mean it's load-bearing, and you won’t
need a structural engineer. A "thud" is a sign that the wall
is load-bearing. You will need a residential structural engineer in order to
design a beam to support the load. You can check upstairs to see what support
is in place. You can be sure that there is some structural work
required if you see another wall above. Ask a local builder to inspect the wall if
you are unsure. This could help them land a job.
An
open-plan kitchen renovation by the Your Space Living team
A few details are needed
It's
worth calling your insurance company before you get out your tools. Keep them updated about your plans to ensure that you are covered in
case of an emergency. Next, you need to hire an architect or
builder. While we are on the topic of insurance, ensure that any
builder or architect you hire has public liability insurance. An architect is not necessary if you are removing a single wall.
However, if the job involves more complicated work, such as an extension or
removal of multiple walls, an architect will be more beneficial. While structural engineers and quality builders are qualified to offer
advice, an architect should handle the building design. You should do your research on the person you hire to build your home. This includes testimonials, qualifications, and experience. Do not base your decision on the price, as that would be a false
economy.
Installing
a structural beam in a building is not a one-man job
Locating a structural engineer
Your
architect or builder may recommend a structural engineer to you or even
commission one. You will need to search for one if they
don't. You don't have to get one. You
will be in trouble later on if you fail to submit the correct plans and
structural calculations. Insurance policies you may have on your
property could also be invalidated.
It
is easy to find a structural engineer. Although Google is a great resource, make
sure to check your contacts before you start searching. Talk to family members and friends who have had work done in the
building industry. Before you hire an engineer, verify the
credentials. The Institution of Structural Engineers site might be of
interest to you. You can use their comprehensive search tool
to find registered engineers.
Another
example of a steel support beam in an open-plan kitchen project
It's
worthwhile to check the previous work of engineers before you hire them. Keep looking until you find someone more qualified for the job you are
seeking. The scope of your project will determine how involved the
engineer is. They may be required to give advice before you apply for
planning permission. They may also provide a service to monitor
the progress of your builder and oversee your project. Your surveyor might offer you "party wall" advice if your
building work is adjacent to another property. This could be a valuable service
that can prove beneficial for both you and your neighbor.
I am here to help
Your
Space Living has worked on many kitchen renovations that required complex
calculations and structural drawings. We have built strong relationships with key
people in the area and worked with many structural engineers. We are confident that we can find the most qualified experts to help you
make your project run smoothly and safely. You will feel great about the outcome of
your renovations. Your home will serve as a reminder of the
things you should have done, and it can be a very bad feeling.
There
are many solutions that can be difficult and it is important to have an
experienced team.
It
is vital that you select the right people to improve your home. You should hire an expert to help you plan a structural change. It's not easy to remove structural walls. You don't want your home at
risk. Do not make the same mistake as so many homeowners who
want to improve their homes. You can get the help you need from
professionals who have experience in the task you are about to undertake. Get in touch with me today.