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Knocking an internal load bearing wall

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  • 11-01-2014 10:12pm
    #1
    sam30
    Registered Users Posts: 64 ✭✭


    Hi there looking for some clarification. I was looking for a builder to knock a load bearing wall and was told of a carpenter who could do this job. I was wondering if a) carpenters have the skills to do this job

    b) would this comply to get it signed off by an engineer for a cert of compliance?

    Thank you


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    #2
    3DataModem
    Registered Users Posts: 3,951 ✭✭✭3DataModem


    sam30 wrote: »
    Hi there looking for some clarification. I was looking for a builder to knock a load bearing wall and was told of a carpenter who could do this job. I was wondering if a) carpenters have the skills to do this job

    b) would this comply to get it signed off by an engineer for a cert of compliance?

    Thank you

    I wouldn't hire a carpenter. The guy needs to put in supports, knock the wall, put in RSJ, etc.


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    #3
    The_Conductor
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    3DataModem wrote: »
    I wouldn't hire a carpenter. The guy needs to put in supports, knock the wall, put in RSJ, etc.

    I'd echo this.
    Its not a carpenter's job- they don't tend to do masonry work- and even if they did- I'd still hire someone who specialised in that area (given that its a load bearing wall)


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    #4
    ted1
    Registered Users Posts: 23,284 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Just as a FYI.

    I would recommend hiding the RSJ in the ceiling. Slightly more work but gives a much better finish.

    When you put the RSJ below the joists the new room still has a barrier and never really feels like one room.

    Carpenters generally have qualifications, builders in Ireland have/need none. If you are going to be cutting joists, then a carpenter will have an advantage.

    Is the carpenter just a carpenter or has he being working as a builder/ carpenter for a while. Ask can you see previous jobs .


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    #5
    P. Breathnach
    Registered Users Posts: 12,089 ✭✭✭✭P. Breathnach


    It is quite possible that a particular carpenter has the knowledge and skill to do the job properly, and that a particular builder does not [as ted1 points out, builders do not have qualifications].

    You could ask an engineer to advise you. Of course that is an extra cost, but it's far less expensive than causing structural damage in a house. Or you could set out to learn about what is involved, and specify fully how the job is to be done, particularly about how the structure above the wall is to be supported during the work.

    I know a house not far from where I live that has been abandoned because the owner attempted internal work and got it wrong. The roof is bowed, and every time I pass I look to see if it has fallen in yet.

    [I also think of David Kelly's role in Fawlty Towers as O'Reilly the builder.]


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    #6
    sam30
    Registered Users Posts: 64 ✭✭sam30


    thanks for the replies that does clarify for me!


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    #7
    OrionA
    Registered Users Posts: 16 ✭OrionA


    We had a renovation done a few years ago which involved knocking a load bearing wall. Our "builder" was a qualified carpenter by trade. But had years of experiance as a foreman on sites before setting up his own business. As with any professional, recommendations, must be registered and insured, willing to provide details of previous jobs etc are a must. Do your research!!

    On ted1's point we didnt hide the RSJ in the ceiling. Because of the way the above joists ran would have been a far more expensive and much larger job but again a decent "builder" will advise on that. Our builder costed both options and the final decision was ours


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