structural engineer costs

[bluebaron]

Hi, Im looking at removing two internal walls of a 3 bed semi. Both are non load bearing. I need a report to submit to building control. The guy I had out has quoted £850 for the job, (the report not the work). This seems a bit steep to me?

It this a reasonable price?

 

[^woody^]

Why, if not structural walls?

 

[bluebaron]

Yes was just wondering that same thing woody! TBH I’m not 100% sure one on the walls is not load bearing but several houses in the area have removed it looking at Rightmove floor plans. Happy to pay a couple hundred quid for price of mind but £850!?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If you know they are non loadbearing then why is BC asking you for a report?

 

[Dereekoo]

It will be OK, please send me £200

 

[bluebaron]

well I asked the SE for a survey and report. If it’s load bearing I’ll need a report if not I won’t either way I’ll need the survey/report to know?

 

[^woody^]

You need to be clear about what you are asking any engineer to do.

If you just want someone to look at the walls and tell you if they are load bearing or not, then that literally is 10 minutes plus travel, and you don't need any report, and you certainly don't need to inform building control or provide a report.

If you want this someone to look at the walls and then if one is loadbearing, then you may well want the support designing, and that will be in addition to the actual survey. In this case you don't need a report, you just apply for the structural alteration and if necessary, provide the details of the support you are proposing to use.

 

[bluebaron]

Hmm, well the guy came out said the walls were “probably not” load bearing but he would need to come back out for a “full” survey. The quote states:

Prepare and issue a set of structural calculations and details for onward transmission (by others) to the local authority for Building Regulations approval and construction by a suitably experienced contractor. This includes the following:
a. Provide design and sizing of new floor beam to support the existing masonry partition wall between the existing toilet and rear bedroom on the first floor.
b. Carry out a wind wall panel check to the rear elevation, to check adequacy of
wall after the removal of the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room. Provide lateral stability wind post, if the central wall panel is proven to be inadequate.
c. We have inspected the existing masonry wall between the bathroom and toilet on the first floor and it appears to be non-loading, and therefore can be removed without any further structural strengthening. However, good building practice should be adhered prior to the removal of any such walls, we refer you to the Good Building Guide (GBG20).

 

[^woody^]

Without seeing the building its difficult to be 100% sure, but 95% certain he's having a giraffe.