Hi,
A previous owner of our 1890's house knocked through the lounge/dining room wall. It's a supporting wall and the gap is 6'. There's 2' of the original wall remaining either side. There is no RSJ, but there is a
6x3" wooden beam instead that appears o be doing the job (there are no cracks in adjoining plaster/paint and it's not bowing). A couple of builders took a look and said 'if it aint broke don't fix it' and said the beam would be fine. I may get a structural engineer to take a look but am slightly anxious about opening up a can of worms! If there were signs of the beam failing then I obviously wouldn't hesitate. Am guessing I should get it looked at but what's the ballpark for putting a new RSJ in?The house is a 1890's 2 up 2 down cottage.
Cheers Charlie