Knocking down a load bearing wall

[Pete L]

We want to knock down the wall between kitchen and dining room. Today the civil engineer man came round to inspect and give us the dimensions for the Universal Beam. He checked in the loft and the dividing wall is not supporting the roof - which is good. I've done plenty of diy jobs and we have done one house restoration but not knocking down a supporting wall.. I'd like to take on this job and have help available to place the UB. Question is - how difficult is it? Anybody out there done this kind of thing and can give me any tips or advice?

[TD]

This makes it seem easy

[The Medway Handyman]

25 years ago when we moved here I took down the wall between the lounge & dining room. Had to put in an RSJ.

Did the calcs myself (pre internet days), got Building Control to approve. Took a weekend to do the job.

Acro props are a must obviously. These days you can also hire Strong Boys

problem was cutting away the brickwork after installing the RSJ, used a mains angle grinder/cut off saw from a local hire shop. Dust simply unbelievable. Really. You cannot imagine it until you have done it. Panic buy dust masks! Also try taping off all doors etc. We found dust in unexpected areas for about 2 months afterwards.

Slight difference in floor levels when the wall was cut away, be prepared for that.

Still there 25 years later. Well within the capacity of a DIY guy, does need two of you at least.

5 years ago SWMBO decided a through lounge was a bad idea, so I put up a stud partition :-)

[Pete L]

Boys

> Biggest problem was cutting away the brickwork after installing the RSJ,

Thanks for your advice. The sledgehammers will start swinging next Friday. I have the UB on order. It weighs nearly 200kg but hopefully with three of us we'll be able to slip the little blighter into place! We have dust masks for cutting the brickwork and will be sealing all doors.......

[sm_jamieson]

Boys

> > Biggest problem was cutting away the brickwork after installing the RSJ,

You can pull back the carpets etc and get someone to wet the walls with a fine spray from a hose to reduce dust. Not as messy as you think if well directed, but be careful with electrical cutters. Simon.

[Pete L]

Boys

> > > Biggest problem was cutting away the brickwork after installing the RSJ,

Job done! Dust was, let's say, interesting...... The UB was ridiculously large but having spoken to the building inspector it's all due to the civil engineer covering himself against litigation. Apparently his calculation as to what size beam is required is 100% higher than is needed. His insurance company just want to make sure they never have to pay out!