Support pillar question

5 years ago

We have finally found a builder we really like and want him to complete a wrap around extension. However, he has said we will need a support pillar where the corner of the house was. The previous builders who provided quotes never mentioned this. Is there a way of having such an extension without the support pillar?
I'm assuming if there is a way to not have one then it would be quite expensive but If the support pillar is there then I think we would need to extend further which would obviously cost extra £s anyway.
Thanks in advance

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Comments (5)

PRO
User
5 years ago
You need a structural engineer. It is possible in theory to have no support pillar at the corner. However, the steel calculations and the other possible points at which they need to be supported will have to be done by the engineer.

You can't take away a corner of a house and not support it without steels somewhere. The more difficult you make it and the more steels you need then the more expensive it gets.
Kirsty Kirby
5 years ago
You absolutely need a structural engineer - I am not sure how any builder could give you an accurate quote without seeing a structural drawing. There might be alternatives to having a pillar on the corner but it is likely to involve more cost as you say. Maybe there is a clever way to incorporate the pillar into your design and make a feature of it? Good luck.
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PRO
User
5 years ago
Exactly, how can you give a quote without a plan??
Rhian Evans
Original Author
5 years ago
We haven't had a full quote as yet. We've has a feasibility and ideas chat which is when the support pillar issue came up. We have a structural engineer coming round in the new year. Thanks for your help
PRO
9yards architecture
5 years ago
I fully agree with the comments above expressing concerns about getting building works priced before they're designed. It's a conversation we often have with clients and is always a difficult 'chicken and egg' dilemma whereby you'll want to know a likely cost for the building work before paying for design, yet it's simply impossible to accurately price construction costs until detailed design is complete.
Talking to a Structural Engineer at this stage seems sensible to determine the likely works involved in removing the corner pillar; thereafter I'd suggest getting a design consultation from a professional designer - they'll be able to talk you through the design and regulations processes and the associated costs. A good designer can often even save you the cost of their fees by designing in a way that can be built more cost-effectively than relying on a builder to design 'on the fly'.
I'd also emphasise the benefits of engaging a Quantity Surveyor to give you maximum cost-control through the construction phase of the project. Whilst this is the professional fee most frequently avoided it is the one that gives most cost certainty - you'll also be surprised at how many builders suddenly lose interest in a job when they find they have to price accurately and have payments certified by a professional!
Good luck with your project!

Support pillar question

Comments (5)

User

Kirsty Kirby

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Rhian Evans
Original Author

9yards architecture

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Support pillar question

Comments (5)

User

Kirsty Kirby

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Rhian EvansOriginal Author

9yards architecture

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Rhian Evans
Original Author