Posted 5 November 2023

House problems with RSJ and plaster. Do I need Structural Engineer, Surveyors or Architect?

Got an RSJ fitted to two rooms knocked together in my house from 2000-ish (previous owner)
I think it's moved slightly over years and some tiny bits of plaster have now dropped from ceiling adjoining. Could be old plaster ceiling breaking down instead.

Who I need to call to have a look at the whole thing and give an honest opinion?
Is it builder, or do I need to start with a Surveyor or Structural Engineer? Perhaps an Architect?

Just not sure on what terminology of trade to be searching for?
Thanks.
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  1. aLV426's avatar
    Don't ask for a builders opinion! Go for the professionals - Structural Engineer...
    All the others can only guess.
    (A Surveyor will recommend you get a structural engineer in to assess!) (edited)
  2. anthea's avatar
    I would check your building insurance they might pay for engineer you could be covered by insurance definitely don't ask a builder
  3. Timbonagasaki's avatar
    Have you looked online/phoned the planning department to see if building regs were met at the time?
    Are the bits of plaster coming from around the plasterboard fixings?
    I had a similar issue with an RSJ over a bay window.A structural engineer will need to see both ends of the beam to see what it's sat on.
    slimy31's avatar
    It may not be listed at the planning department. When we did a similar job I contacted them and they said it could be done under 'permitted development'. To be honest we found it a little scary that I could have got hold of a Kango and just gone at it without any oversight, but common sense prevailed and I went through the full process as if it was going to be 'certified' at the end.
  4. Pandamansays's avatar
    Whoever you call, I would expect someone to be lifting floorboards above or cutting holes in the ceiling or both etc.
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