I have had plans approved for a ground floor extension and currently in the process of getting building control plans drawn up.
The plan involves creating a 3 metre opening in the external side wall of the semi detached property. It's an old house built around 1935. There is no cavity in the wall just two layers of brick. The foundations are likely to be quite shallow.
My concern is that if we cut open this wall and insert a beam there may well be some movement causing structural damage given the age and condition of the structure.
I was wondering what steps can be taken to reduce the likelyhood of structural damage.
One strategy is to approach someone who can direct the builder as to what steps needs to be taken during this stage of the project. Should I approach a structural engineer or structural surveyor? What is the difference between the two?
A possible solution mentioned to me is laying the horizontal beam on two stone/concrete columns. The portion of ground the columns rest on can be underpinned. This I think would involve digging under the relevant foundation and pouring more concrete.
I would appreciate any help or advice in this.
Thanks