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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

The wall! The WALL

66 replies

scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:14

First of all, please excuse the mess. My house is a total tip and the moment.

When these two rooms were knocked into two, there was a piece of wall left as you can see on the left.

This has bugged me for a while and have always wanted it removed. I am doing this now as I want to lay laminate flooring. I wanted to get this done before Christmas but it is not looking likely now.

I have had one quote so far which is £1500. Have more people lined up to come.

My question is, does it look that odd. Would it bother you? And would you pay 1500 to have it removed.

OP posts:
Original poster
scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:15

Sorry here is a pic which I forgot to put on the original post.

The wall! The WALL
OP posts:
GasPanic · 21/11/2023 14:18

I'd want some assessment from someone who really really knew what they were doing first - if you haven't done already.

Because just maybe it was not left as a random accident.

Nevermind31 · 21/11/2023 14:19

i would check if it is load bearing…

Ponderingwindow · 21/11/2023 14:19

I would imagine it was left for a reason. What is inside?

MidnightOnceMore · 21/11/2023 14:23

I wouldn't pay £1500 to remove it. I would also be cautious about removing.

It wouldn't annoy me visually. I guess if I had some specific furniture that couldn't fit along that wall it would be annoying. But not worth the money.

TookTheBook · 21/11/2023 14:24

Isn't it structural? It wouldn't bother me, I'd fit furniture around it.

Original poster
scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:24

Thanks all.

There is a mental lintel in the bit that goes across the ceiling but it doesn't go into the opposite wall. Unfortunately it is resting on the wall I wanted removed. So the 1500 includes the cost of installing a new rsj.

OP posts:
Stripyunicorn · 21/11/2023 14:24

I would agree it looks like it was left for a reason.
Could you use it for something? Like small corner shelves maybe?

Bearbookagainandagain · 21/11/2023 14:25

It does bother me! But it's also very obvious when the room is empty.

If possible I would make a feature of it to save the 1.5k, for instance with shelving, suspended plants, art... It could look really good if it also works with your furniture

EvilElsa · 21/11/2023 14:25

Wouldn't bother me at all. Certainly not £1500 bother me anyway.

RedPony1 · 21/11/2023 14:29

I think £1,500 is a pretty fair quote for putting in a new RSJ.
Does that include the plastering too?

I think it will make for a much nicer space with it gone!

Lifeinlists · 21/11/2023 14:30

I'd get it done properly because it would bother me. Depends if you can stretch to the £1500.

I do like the way you've prioritised the telly and somewhere for the dog to perch though. That's essential!

titchy · 21/11/2023 14:30

£1500 to remove and reinstall with new RSJ is a bargain!

saltinesandcoffeecups · 21/11/2023 14:30

I kind of like it. I think it could add some interest instead of a flat wall. I love the corner shelf idea, also depending on how you are using the space might make a great corner for a tall thin lamp.

How are you going to use the space. It may give the illusion of breaking up the rooms while keeping them open if that makes sense.

Original poster
scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:33

Lifeinlists · 21/11/2023 14:30

I'd get it done properly because it would bother me. Depends if you can stretch to the £1500.

I do like the way you've prioritised the telly and somewhere for the dog to perch though. That's essential!

Haha this made me laugh out loud. The amount of times that TV has been moved over the course of the last few months...

OP posts:
beachcitygirl · 21/11/2023 14:35

I'd make it a
Feature shelf for books and plants. I deffo wouldn't pay that to remove it x

SoddingWeddings · 21/11/2023 14:37

£1500 to install an RSJ? Who on earth is quoting that cheaply? Has it been assessed by an engineer? Have they had calculations done for the Acrow props and the RSJ? Or are they doing it "by eye"? Any tests for asbestos been done in the house?

I'm guessing the quote also does not include making good the wall, ceiling and or floor? In which case you'll need to organise and pay for that separately.....

savoycabbage · 21/11/2023 14:38

My next door neighbours have a piece of wall like that and they have sort of what I can only describe as copper plated it. With actual metal, not wallpaper or paint. It looks really good.

TravellingT · 21/11/2023 14:40

Is it a living room? Or dual use room e.g. living/dining, living/office. We can send ideas of how to work around it if we know what furniture needs to go in the room. £1500 is not worth it!

billyt · 21/11/2023 14:40

My concern is regarding the other end of the RSJ. Doesn't seem to be anything supporting that end. You can see where the old brick wall wax removed.

RSJs are fitted to support the wall above when the load-bearing wall downstairs is removed. But you need to support both ends otherwise all the weight is transferred to one end.

I'd get that sorted asap.

Jessforless · 21/11/2023 14:41

That would really bother me, but I think it’s going to cost you more than £1500 to rectify…

Original poster
scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:41

TravellingT · 21/11/2023 14:40

Is it a living room? Or dual use room e.g. living/dining, living/office. We can send ideas of how to work around it if we know what furniture needs to go in the room. £1500 is not worth it!

Living room. Sofa, a hair and TV down the front end and dining table to be purchased to go the other end :)

OP posts:
yellowlane · 21/11/2023 14:43

It wouldn't bother me and I've just checked and we have a bit like that in our front room.

Sidebeforeself · 21/11/2023 14:45

RSJ … anyone else thinking of Pam from Gavin and Stacey… “ Rolled Steel JoisT! “

Original poster
scorpiogirly · 21/11/2023 14:46

yellowlane · 21/11/2023 14:43

It wouldn't bother me and I've just checked and we have a bit like that in our front room.

Just on the one side? I don't think it would bother me as much if it was on both sides.

OP posts: