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Do we need to get plans drawn up

9 replies

Primotomb · 26/02/2021 21:50

The original owners of our house added a kitchen extension - extension 1 in the diagram. Extension 1 is open to the space I've marked as kitchen on the diagram. The dotted line shows the original position of the rear wall of the house.

The next owners ( our sellers) added extension number 2. This is accessed via an open doorway from the kitchen space. There's a large open serving hatch type thing in the wall between extension 1 and extension 2.

Kitchen units are currently fitted in a J shape in extension 1, extending up to the utility room at the top. Extension 2 is used as dining room. There's lots of wasted space in the original kitchen.

We want to open up the whole space to make a large kitchen diner, so we'll need an RSJ right the way across the width 'of the original kitchen and to remove the wall between the two extensions. We'd also want a couple of velux windows in the roof over extension 2.

So do we just talk to the builder about what we want to do or do we need to get plans drawn up first? If we need plans who do we need to find to do that (what trade/profession)?

House is a 70s detached if that makes any difference

Do we need to  get plans drawn up
OP posts:
LittleOverwhelmed · 26/02/2021 22:12

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Primotomb · 26/02/2021 22:36

Do I need planning permission just to remove what are now internal walls?

OP posts:
LittleOverwhelmed · 26/02/2021 23:06

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

121hugsneeded · 27/02/2021 08:06

I think it's a structural engineer you need to calculate the strength of the beam required

DevilDamo · 27/02/2021 08:16

@Primotomb

Do I need planning permission just to remove what are now internal walls?
No, unless the property is listed?

A structural engineer is what you’d need to deal with the internal alterations along with strengthening of the roof timbers for the rooflight. You’ll also need to submit a Building Regulation application, which the engineer may be able to assist with.

You may also require Planning for the rooflights as they’ll be positioned in a roof that is not original. When Planning was granted for the extensions, the approval may have been conditioned that the proposals have to be built in accordance with the approved drawings. Adding in rooflights that were not shown on the original/approved drawings may therefore trigger Planning.

BananaHammock23 · 27/02/2021 08:21

No, you don't need planning for the internal walls. We did something very similar recently and got a local architecture firm to do the structural calculations and drawings for the builder. Annoyingly expensive as they have to do a survey of the whole house, but I'm so glad we did it!

Primotomb · 27/02/2021 14:30

Thank you all for your comments, they're really helpful. We've never done anything like this before so wasn't sure where to start

OP posts:
Midlifephoenix · 27/02/2021 16:55

Not planning but you need to apply for building licence and get building regs. You want the certificate of completion for when you sell.

hedgehogger1 · 27/02/2021 17:12

A long time ago before I was old enough to know better, we just had a builder that took out an internal supporting wall. He did it all himself. Looking back it was very dodgy

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