Cost to knock through wall separating front and rear room in typical terrace.do i need an rsj?
Answers:
Depends on whether it is load bearing. You can generally tell by tapping on the wall. If its solid, it's usually load-bearing, in which case you will a lintel rather than an rsj. Another way to tell is go upstairs and have a look to see which way the joists run. If they run into the wall you want to knock through, it's load bearing. It does depend on the distance you want to span however. Is it for a single door, double door or to open up the whole space? You may need a structural engineer if it's for the whole space or even if it's a double door if the wall is load bearing. If it's not load bearing, cost for double door opening probably £300 max (without doors), including making good floor, ceiling & walls. If loadbearing, cost for double door opening probably £800 to £1,000 because of propping required and heavier work. If more than a double door, cost will be much greater and you may need a large steel. It does depend too, on where you live. London will be most expensive.
Whatever you do, be sure it's not a supporting wall or you could collapse part of your house or ruin structural integrity.
Sorry, but tapping on a solid wall does not mean it is load bearing, all teraced houses are normally brick built throughout, so this doesn't mean it's load bearing. Do check the joists under the bedroom ceiling to see if they do rest or meet on the wall, i'll give you a tenner if they don't. You will need an RSJ and not a cavity lintol, as there won't be a cavity there. Cost wise, to open up a room is the same for four feet wide as eight feet wide, A reputable builder will charge around £800. Hope this helps.
yes if there is a wall above the area where you want to take the wall out even if its not a load bearing wall its always wise to support the brick work above the opening
The answers post by the user, for information only, UKQnA.com does not guarantee the right.