Knocking through a wall.... cost, effort and concerns??

DeVore

Hi all... very simple question:

I have a kitchen and living room separated by a solid, load-bearing wall. I am told its possible to knock it through but that it will need reinforcement in order to continue to be load-bearing. Ok, no problem with that.

My questions are: Does anyone have a ballpark idea of how much this might cost? (I'll price the doors myself)?

Is this a long operation?

Is there any danger in removing a load-bearing wall long term?

Thanks everyone, I'm a construction/DIY idiot but I'm learning to use a drill! (not that I intend to do this job myself!!!)


DeV.

Poor Uncle Tom

The following is from the forum charter:

1.5 Structural items . Issues relating to the specification of structural components is prohibited. Any queries in this regard need to be dealt with by an architect/engineer privately.

This thread is fine as there are no questions regarding the specification of structural elements, and the usual broad advice when dealing with alterations to any loadbearing structure is to ensure on-site structural advice from a professional.

muffler

DeVore wrote: »

My questions are: Does anyone have a ballpark idea of how much this might cost? (I'll price the doors myself)?

Im in Donegal and you're in Dublin (I think) so I wont comment on the price element as such as I find the Dublin prices (and surrounding areas) to be ridiculously high but you would be amazed though at the time it does take and the simple little things that can be overlooked. 2 men will be needed for starters and then you are looking at simple things such as protective coverings for floors and furnishings and redecorating upon completion. Perhaps you may even have to feed these lads when they are there.

If you got some "small type builder" in you then you have to hire a skip for him to dump the removed section of the wall

DeVore wrote: »

Is this a long operation?

Depending who you get you would be looking at 2 or 3 days.

DeVore wrote: »

Is there any danger in removing a load-bearing wall long term?

Because of the restraints imposed by the forum charter we cant say too much on this end but basically no. If (and its highly recommended) you engage a structural engineer to assess the set up he will specify what materials are to be used and carry out an inspection of the works and sign off on it. If done properly there should never be any problems either short or long term. As a safety net you should ensure he produces a copy of his Professional Indemnity insurance.

DeVore wrote: »

but I'm learning to use a drill!

Reminds me of the famous scene in the film Marathon Man. "Is it safe?"

Mellor

As long as the section above the wall is supported adequetly, then there should be no problems. A structural engineer should be able to advise on the best wat to approach.

dan_d

Have priced this myself in my own house, but a slightly bigger job (more doors!)

One quote I got was 1250eur to knock a double door between kitchen and living room and also to close up an existing single door and reopen the same door further down the wall. I also needed a false partition built on one side of the living room wall (wanted sliding double doors, pocket types)

I got another of about 2500eur to do the work and another of 3200(I think).

This was all before the door prices.I liked the first guy (no crap about him!!!)

You will need some sort of lintel/beam above the door ope. Your builder can advise on that, or a structural engineer. There should be no danger removing a section of a load bearing wall, BUT you have to get someone to look at it, particularly if you intend on removing a very large section of it.Preferably someone with a structural background.

I've priced sliding double doors in a couple of places and they are coming in around 180eur each (+75eur if you want glass in them). Add on locks/handles/hinges (around 50eur).Mind you, the sky is the limit - I was pricing higher end doors. You could probably get them for a lot less if you wanted.

I got the quotes through *www.tradesmen.ie.(note:I'm based in North Dublin) Have to say, I was very impressed by their service. Plus I got 3 quotes, so I was able to compare and get an idea of a ballpark figure. I haven't had the work done yet - something more urgent came up first - but it will be done in the next few months. I'd estimate it'll take 4 days, max.My own job will probably take 4-5 days, so yours would be less.

I'm an engineer by profession, and am very familiar with dealing with builders, so those prices included every single thing that would be required.

(*Mods:is it okay to post the website name????)