On 12 Nov 2003 09:26:19 -0800, a particular chimpanzee named
(Kevin Walton) randomly hit the keyboard and
produced:

Should I be worried? What is the building inspector going to say
about A) the overlap and B) the use of timber in the 'stack' C) the
lack of gap?

The Building Inspector is probably going to want the structural
engineer who originally designed the work to have a look at it and
provide revised calculations to justify the reduced bearing onto the
steel plate. He is (very likely) going to want the timber bearing
replaced with concrete or engineering brick. So get in early and
contact him now (well, Monday).

With regard to the gap between the beam and the existing ceiling, the
amount of deflection can be calculated quite precisely. For a span of
6m it would be limited to a maximum of 14mm, but again check with the
engineer as to the amount that has been allowed for, and make sure
that there is sufficient gap under the beam.
--
Hugo Nebula
"You know, I'd rather see this on TV,
Tones it down" - Laurie Anderson