Flat roof?

[Brasso4]

I posted the other day about my plans to remodel the downstairs of my house. I have had builders in but they all seem to be saying different things!

Our house is a 1950s house, it originally had a flat roof outhouse (coal shed) which has been extended in the 1970s to enlarge the kitchen and provide a downstairs bathroom. This has a flat roof.

The flat roof supports our weight, (the previous owners wanted to use it as a balcony) we were under the impression that it was made of concrete, albeit quite thin concrete.

As part of the changes to the house, we want to demolish a wall underneath the flat roof, one builder said fine, no problem, one said basically it can't be done (it is a supporting wall). There is also now some doubt as to whether the roof is actually concrete. (If it isn't concrete, it would be less of a problem).

Does anyone know how we might be able to tell if it is concrete? Anyone have a similar roof and be able to help in any way?

Getting really stressed out by the builders and noone has even started yet!

I would measure up for a window on bothe the outside andinside of teh buildingand see what the difference is - that is the depth of the roof structure. Then I would poke around with a screwdriver through the ceiling and see what you find - use a torch and just pull a bit off. You should get some idea of the structure - whether it is timber beams or concrete, and if timber, what is the depth and spacing, and which way do the beams run - onto the wall you want ot remove, or parallel to it (Parallel is good- onto it is not). You then have a bit more information to talk to your builder about.

What you don't want to do is let the builder quote basedon no knowledge of what is there - it will cost you more - he'll either bump up the quote to cover the worst case, or quote for the best scenario, find the worst and then add charges when you are not in such a strong position to argue (wanting to get your house back into shape). Best to know the facts before he starts.

BUT do remember to not poke around anywhere near a light fitting or above a light switch - danger of electrocution!