Oak beams not tied into walls in old barn conversion - help please! Information, help and solutions to many issues encountered when converting barns and older buildings

[gazzastears]

I am in the process of renovating a barn conversion we bought 18 months ago and have come across the following problem. On removing the old kitchen I have found that a number of the oak beams on the ceiling are too short and dont reach the walls, they are just hanging from the ceiling and unsuported below. I believe these must have been left in for cosmetic reasons, but can see where the old brick pillars they once stood on are. Any ideas what I can do to resolve this, other than building the brick pillars back, or given they must have been like this for 20 years are they 'ok'?!

[stoneyboy]

Hi gazzastears,
It certainly does not appear to be something to be left unchecked. Suggest you get a structural surveyor in and get it checked out.
Regards S