I am looking to do some minor renovations in my flat. I would like to knock down one of two walls but I am aware that these walls are load bearing and I'm on the ground floor of a four storey building, so the job will involve some major structural considerations.
I have some people telling me I should be seeing a builder first to get quotes on the work. Others say I need an engineer to draw up the options before getting a builder to quote on them.
Simple question but a bit confusing! Can you please help?
Dear Damian,
Firstly any work that requires the removal of a load bearing wall is not considered to be minor alterations. The removal of a load bearing wall generally requires approval by a private certifier or council; and in 99% of cases will most definitely require approval by the body corporate.
It is my belief that because you are on the ground floor of a four storey building that both of these entities would require an engineers report as part of the approval process. This approval needs to be completed before the commence of work.
I hope that this helps.
Kind regards,
Mike