knocking down internal wall (non load bearing)

[Piemistress]

There is an en suite inbetween the front and back bedrooms. It is accessed by the back bedroom but we want to change this to the front. This means putting a door in a Wall and closing up the other door, and moving the shower around.

Will i need any permssion to do this? Havent got a scooby to be honest! Do i just need to find a builder and someone to fit the bathroom? Or will i also need to get plans drawn up by an architect first?

Many thanks, pie

Not unless your house is 'listed'.

Have at it with a large hammer - will be most satisfying.

Checking for electrics and pipes first of course.

are you sure the wall is not load bearing, have you checked to see what is supporting the weight of the water tank if there is one?

I was there when the surveyor was looking at the house for us and he.didn't thin it was load bearing. It sounds pretty hollow. The hot water tank is in a nearby cupboard. I have no idea why the en suite is off the back bedroom as the front one has a lovely sea and hill view! Very odd (next doors en suite is off the front room)

Even if the wall is a hollow stud wall it could still be taking the weight of your cold water tank in the attic if you have one, these water tanks can weigh as much as a car so do need to be supported. Best make 100% sure before removing the wall which will require an inspection in the attic. Rule of thumb says that if the hollow wall is running the same direction as the ceiling joists then it is not structural but never assume a stud hollow wall is none structural.

The hot water tank is in a cupboard in the hall, I am hoping because the neighbours house have the en suite off the front bedroom that we should be able to? I can't understand why they have it off the back bedroom which has zero view. Do we need to get an architect in?

Just check your attic yourself and find the location of the cold water tank ( if you have one) and if so find out what is supporting its weight. Do not confuse your hot water tank with a cold water tank which are almost always in the attic.

Ah ok, I didn't realise there were two water tanks! We haven't moved into the house yet so just planning ahead and hoping to get work done before we move the DCs in!

You may only have a hot water tank, it depends on what type of boiler and heating system you have but certainly worth checking the attic before going any further forward.

Think the boiler is 25 years plus old so will also need replacing, mwahh. Still got to think long term!