Do you have to fit wind posts when merging 2 houses together

[sarah_12 10]

We are planning on knocking through into next door to make one house, weve been told we have to fit wind posts with the steel beams by our architect, are they necessary we,d have thought we only needed the steel beams. Our builder is away at moment and not able to measure up what size wind posts we need, we want to get them ordered for when the builder arrives back so the work can get started asap but would like help on how to measure what sizes we need , our engineer is away for 2 weeks so cant ask him either.

[handypandy 14]

The architect should have spec'd everything. If a structural engineer is involved too, wait for them. Obviously, having not seen the project, its difficult to comment, but my guess is that he will die laughing.

 

 

 

[sarah_12 10]

We know its supposed to be the engineers job but he's only given us measurements for the beams and told us that our builder is supposed to measure up what size wind posts we need not him. Neither the architect or engineer are helpful and we really regret going with them now.

[Margarita Ma 10]

Ring Building control on Tuesday(after the bank holiday) and ask to speak to the officer for your area. Discuss the problem with them and ask them to come out and have a look and talk to the person doing the work.They normaly make several onsite visits at critical points in the work to make sure everything is up to spec.. Talk to your builder and tell them this is what you are going to do. If they are a decent builder they should be pleased to come along and get the information they need from the building inspector, they may have already arranged a site visit without mentioning it to you.

[Craig_ 10]

Margarita Ma - I have seen several of your posts on here and I'm sorry to say the advise you give is totally incorrect. This is certainly not the role of Building Control.

 

As Sarah has said - it is the engineers job to specify. The engineer will occasionally specify an item with the stipulation that the structural element has to be made to measure based upon site measurements - usually to coordinate with existing construction - especially fixing details and exact length.

 

If this is the case, and the SE has already specified the item, then the builder should be able to have these fabricated within 24hrs once he's confirmed any measurements. If the SE has not specified, then he/she will need to do this first.

[FVitko36 10]

Sarah - I must agree with Craig here. The simpliest way to look at the overall role of the professionals you employ for alterations to a building in my opinion are:

1) Architect - agrees overall design with, submits for planning if required, produces construction drawings.

2) Structural engineer - designs for any alterations in need of calculations and makes an assessment of structral stability of the building.

3) Builder - builds

4) Building control - checks designs / spec. of Architect and Engineer. Building inspector checks that works have been carried out according to those specifications

 

Hence, the structural engineer should be stating whether a post / column is required for the lateral stability of the building.

 

As a structural engineer if you need any further advice please contact 0114 249 9991 or email [email protected]

 

Dean Miller

Signature Design Associates

 

Margarita Ma - I have seen several of your posts on here and I'm sorry to say the advise you give is totally incorrect. This is certainly not the role of Building Control.

 

As Sarah has said - it is the engineers job to specify. The engineer will occasionally specify an item with the stipulation that the structural element has to be made to measure based upon site measurements - usually to coordinate with existing construction - especially fixing details and exact length.

 

If this is the case, and the SE has already specified the item, then the builder should be able to have these fabricated within 24hrs once he's confirmed any measurements. If the SE has not specified, then he/she will need to do this first.