What permissions are needed for a load bearing wall removal?

[Burntout94]

Hi everyone,

I'm excited and nervous to take on my first reno project soon. I want to take down a load bearing wall between the kitchen and diner about 3.5m long. I know i need a structural engineer to do an RSJ calculation but can anyone who's done this tell me what permissions from the council etc I need, how to get them and when in the process? I'm so lost!

Thanks!

None unless you are listed

@magnoliaagain interesting! Everywhere I've read seems to suggest I need building control, I have no idea what this is exactly. Would lack of official paperwork not bite me in the bum when I remortgage or sell?

Your Structural Engineer will be able to tell you.
Your builder, if he is any good, will be able to tell you.
Building Regs dept. at your local council will be able to tell you.

You would definitely need approval under the Building Regs.

Building regs - you want it signed off so that you have the right paperwork when you want to sell.

Speak to your local council's building control team.

You’ll definitely need building regs. Our builders sorted ours out. The council came out, and glanced at the steel once it was in situ and signed it off.

@bergamotorange what stage do I involve them? Is there a fee?

Building control will need to be involved. either through your council or private. They will probably want to see the steel go in and check it is fire rated.

@Anonym00se did you get a structural engineer to do a calculation or did your builders do that too? If by any chance you're in the northwest I'd love a recommendation for a good builder

They probably need to see the work being done at different stages. The most important stage is propping up the building while they demolish the wall and put in the beam, you don't want movement of the structure due to it not being supported properly during the work.

Yes, we had an engineer do the calculations. We had a brilliant builder but he doesn’t travel outside of his area. If by any chance you’re Wirral-based let me know and I’ll send you his details.

Not Wirral based but I'm in Merseyside! St Helens to be exact. Do you think that's too far?

You need building control to sign it off after it's done. You don't need planning permission unless it's a listed building.

OP, is this a terraced or semi-detached house?

Yeah, he won’t come over the water, which is a shame because we’ve moved now too. Finding a good reliable builder is invaluable!

We got a structural engineer to do drawings and calculations. We had to do an online application for our local council, informing them what we were doing, were there new windows or doors etc.

Our builder arranged for them to actually come and inspect it, we just had to do the paperwork bit at the beginning. Then at the end we got a letter saying they were happy with the work he had done.

Its a 1950's semi

You need to apply for a ‘building notice’ which needs 48hrs minimum notice. Submit online and pay and send them your structural calcs. Your builder should then arrange an inspection when the works are underway.

Get a structural engineer because a builder won't be insured or regulated to do the calculations.

Phone them up! They'll advise.