Previous wall removal RSJ enquiry

We can't obviously guarantee that the floor and structure of the house is adequately supported based on the pictures. However, it does seem sound and as you say there is no movement cracks so possibly not a risk.

Some timbers in the structure are superfluous and could be removed if you want

 

Couple of closer photos of the other side of the rsj and the ends of it would be a bit more enlightening, looks ok to start, however I'd get shot of the 2x2's and do a proper job of a false ceiling/bulkhead, something's out of level too, either the beam or the timber framework.

 

You would have to pay for a structural engineer to come out and do some calculations and checks, and possibly remove some of the plaster on the walls to check the bearing of the rsj.

 

Can vary significantly between engineers, best to phone round and ask what they charge to visit site, and what their reports cost.

 

Unless it is really structurally unsound there shouldn't be an issue for BCO. However, during a house sale they may request proof that it is structurally sound.

Where I am in Wales a SE calc can be from around £250 which covers the site visit and writing a report.

 

And where I'm from ( Hertfordshire) that cost would more then double to 500+

 

Down here they drive a focus - in Hertfordshire it would be either German or Italian (except Fiat!)

 

The inspectors always like beams enclosed in plasterboard for fire protection. To keep them happy I would also fit the lights in a "hood" especially if you are fitting older style halogen lights

 

Plasterboard it once the electrician has run cables, not before. Probably best to use fire rated pink plasterboard to satisfy regs.

 

If undersized, a deeper rsj and beam, if lacking bearing, building new pillars underneath both sides. I wouldn't worry though, the old owners lived there without anything happening to them and it doesn't look like you're in any immediate danger.

 

Phil if you want to put your mind at rest then you really need a structural engineer to look at it as previously mentioned, he will then provide you with calculations that will either confirm that the structural opening is ok and or spec a new beam size then when you come to sell your house you will have the docs you are lacking. from what I can see beam should be on bearing plates or at least a padstone and looks pretty corroded and could do with a clean down and a red oxide before boxing in again

 

Isn't the obvious step to enquire from BC if the work was done under Regs??

 

With the timber beam and look of the steel it looks like it done in the 70's or 80's I doubt whether the BC records will go back that far - but worth a try