Any architects? Rip down that wall?

[i234i]

Going to view a new premises, which is ground floor with first floor over the top, there is a row is shops either side but nothing above. Premises sit on there own on a main road.

To make the upstairs space work for us we're going to need to great a big L shape removing everything from the drawings below (http://docs.novaloca.com/451_1648_635180398428148555.pdf) to make this work for us. Anyone see anything from the drawings that will mean this is a major no no? Supporting beam or wall etc?

Due to view the premises for a second time, first time it wasn't something i thought of.

Thought i'd ask incase anyone spotted anything to watch out for in them.

 

[Simon.P]

Hi,
You need to get the insured advice from a structural engineer and consult with building control before changing the structure of a building.
They will be able to spec things out for you/your builder to do.

H

 

[i234i]

Does this apply even for partitions? I need to determine first if its brick or plaster partitions making the premises the layout it is.

 

[Simon.P]

Does this apply even for partitions? I need to determine first if its brick or plaster partitions making the premises the layout it is.

It applies to any structural changes to the building. If in doubt (and purchasing is depending on your new designed layout) i would ask building control about it first.

 

[Billmccallum]

Without seeing detailed drawings its impossible to say, but it looks like the wall between the two emergency exits will be a supporting wall.

It's not impossible to remove a supporting wall if you insert the correct steelwork, as H Martin says, talk to building control.

 

[saddlers]

I am a building control surveyor, and can confirm that even if the wall is not structural, a change in internal layout can also trigger a requirement for Building Regulations approval. I would seek advice from a local structural engineer or experienced builder regarding whether any of the walls are loadbearing. If they are, a structural engineer can give you a design to accommodate removal. Regardless of whether the walls are loadbearing or not I would also then recommend you seek advice from local building control.