Is this possible?

[ismellrainbows]

Hi everyone.

So I made the mistake of removing a wooden doorframe and it turns out there are lapped joists above and no lintel. This is an internal block wall.

Question: I would love to open up and expand the entryway completely, back to the exterior wall, BUT I don't want to call in a structural engineer if this isn't possible. I have added diagrams containing all the details of what I am looking to do. All you knowledgeable people on here? Could a beam be hung on the external wall?

fyi: a concrete lintel with bearings at each end would barely do anything in the way enlarging the doorway hence why I am asking whether all the way back is possible.

It's also weird to me how so many lapped joists were being supported by just a wooden frame.

Screenshot 2023-05-23 at 21.25.57.png

• ismellrainbows
• 23 May 2023

 

[jeds]

It's possible and is a fairly straightforward job. You just need a beam of some description. You also need to ensure that exposing the stairs to the living room you do not contravene fire regulations.

 

[ismellrainbows]

It's possible and is a fairly straightforward job. You just need a beam of some description. You also need to ensure that exposing the stairs to the living room you do not contravene fire regulations.

oh okay! That makes me feel a lot more confident moving forward with this!

Is there anything wrong with 'detaching' an internal wall that was previously attached/butt-joint to the external wall? (in terms of stbility)

 

[Nakajo]

How far about ground level is the topmost habitable room?

 

[ismellrainbows]

How far about ground level is the topmost habitable room?

It's a standard two storey house so the topmost habitable room starts at 2.4m above ground, ends at around 4.8m

 

[jeds]

oh okay! That makes me feel a lot more confident moving forward with this!

Is there anything wrong with 'detaching' an internal wall that was previously attached/butt-joint to the external wall? (in terms of stbility)

You'd need to provide a complete floor plan to answer that 100% accurately. But, you are actually removing a door frame, which is providing zero buttressing, so probably not in this case.