Hello, Just bought a place - in a block with concrete pillar and floor construction. Internal single brick walls. EA and 2 builders adamant that I can knock all the internal walls down without issue. One builder suggested I can't know that for sure, and when I apply to the landlord/building control (Camden council) I'm sure they'll want evidence despite it being their building. Worryingly, one builder suggested it might be impossible for an engineer to prove the wall isn't structural/load baring if they couldn't access the flat above mine. I'm not sure what that would prove. Infuriatingly Camden don't seem able to provide plans for the building. Is it possible to prove the walls are non structural from inspecting my property alone? How much would an engineer charge to do this and any recommendations? Thanks!
If this a leasehold flat or a rental, seem odd that a council own it but you want to knock walls down.
I'm a leaseholder, camden landlord edit: "freeholder". Bought off a right-to-buy tenant, most neighbours are council tenants. I'd rather not pay lots of money generally for something most see as "obvious" but looks like I probably have to. My key issue is I fear doing so only to be then told "I looked but I can't tell either unless you get me access upstairs". Then paying again if I can convince whoever that flat owner is etc...repeat for the 6-8 floors...
Someone should have the info...somewhere. Highly unlikely that several floors rely on your single brick walls. How are the ceilings constructed? You could break out the ceiling at the top of the wall...that would prob give you your answer
Ceilings are solid concrete. Wouldn't want to be breaking any of them! Some of the walls have already had sections removed (or perhaps they were never fully there) ie kitchen and lounge have walls with wood/glass partitions in them already. No metal bars over those partitions. Straight to solid ceiling. I imagine pointing to these facts and saying "duh, isn't it obvious?" won't work for the council though?
Sounds like it was a cast on site construction, then the wall just built as infill, a bit like our Spanish friends do.
Built in 1970s if that helps. I'm sure you're right. But as much as I am thankful for your thoughts unless you're an engineer available for Camden work it sadly won't help me enough
I know sorry really didn't mean to come across as dismissive -genuinely thankful you took your time to respond. I just can't take your assurances - or more accurately, the council won't. I'm assuming engineers frequent this section of the forum or am I wrong there?
I'm sure they do, but would still need to see it, this would involve charges, so its proberly best you just employ the services of someone local, though being in Camden won't be cheap, but then again you can afford a flat there so must be loaded.
For sure - I'm not averse to paying an engineer for the formal view probably required (/peace of mind) if its a "reasonable" charge and they have confidence from what I've said that the status of the walls can be determined. Guess I'm fishing for that person!
Hah I wish Luckier than many perhaps, but it stretched me to the extremes financially and was a great deal so took a risk edit: If you're wondering why then I'm doing this work, it's cause the place is uninhabitable as is and I need to rent some of the rooms out to lodgers!
If you got discount and can afford to hang on for the resell years to pass, you'll make a killing, As long as its not going to be knocked down for HS2.
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