"Stephen Gower" wrote in message
...
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

Sounds like it was built like this, so I'd assume nothing. Get pro advice
- a structural engineer.

Thanks for that - it looks like the same advice (in one way or the
other) from all directions. Having never done this before, and to
make sure I don't get ripped off, what sort of ball-park figure
should I expect to pay for this advice?

Depends on whether you want it written down or not.

I had a beam that I wanted to remove that I was fairly sure
wasn't loadbearing, but I wanted a professional opinion. I
had been given a recommendation for a structural engineer,
so I gave them a ring and asked them how much to come
and give a decision on whether the beam could be removed.
He said he could either answer my question verbally with no
paperwork for £30 or he could do a full written report
backed by insurance etc. for £150. I went for the verbal
report, because all I really wanted was a second opinion
from a professional.

In my case there were no building regs implications because
the beam was essentially "decorative" - you might find in
your case that the wall can be taken down, but with certain
structural implications, in which case building regs may come
into play. In this case I would go for the written report as
you would probably need it later.

HTH,
Al