We want to knock our kitchen wall down to extend it into the dining room but we are unsure if we need an RSJ/steel support. We had a builder around to give us a quote and he didn’t check the trusses but quoted us for an RSJ.
The thing is, we’ve had other workmen round to do other jobs (boiler replacement/electrician) and they say that the trusses are 100% going in a way that means the wall is not a supporting wall so we won’t need a beam. However, when I rang a different builder to come and look at it, he said there could be a supporting wall above which was why the first builder quoted for an RSJ…. But the first builder didn’t even go upstairs or ask what was there, to check, so I’m sure that’s not the case. Granted there IS a wall above but it’s plasterboard.
Anyway, now I’m just confused, so I’d like to get someone impartial in to confirm this once and for all but I don’t know who- what am I looking for- a structural engineer? And how much will it cost for them to come in and confirm if I do/don’t need an RSJ?
Sorry it’s long, I tried to include all details rather than drop feed anything.