Non--load-bearing wall in kitchen/diner project All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[matt.j.clements@gmail.com]

Hi there

We're interested in buying a 1930s end-of-terrace house in Rugby. The vendors have knocked out a wall to make a kitchen/diner. The HIP says that Building Regs approval wasn't needed. I understand this is the case if the wall wasn't load-bearing. I queried this with the vendor and they say it wasn't load-bearing. But I'm not sure. The floorplans look to me as though the upstairs bedroom wall is immediately above where the kitchen/dining room wall used to be.

I'm wondering if there's a quick way of telling if this is true, short of waiting for a survey to show it. Any ideas much appreciated.

Thanks

Matt

[Dan the man]

If the wall was load bearing then the ceilings would of collapsed when they took it down if no rsj was put in, a load bearing wall holds the ceiling joists. There may be a stud wall above it that you're mistaking for a brick one!