Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Jun 16, 2017 3:00 am I'm in western suburbs of Melbourne and want to remove 2 load bearing walls one is about 6 metres long and the other comes off that one like a t intersection say and is about 3-4 metres. Can anyone recommend any good builders to do this? I also think it's best to get it done with a permit just in case for legal reasons. Most builders I've had to look at it can't be bothered with permits etc. I've been quoted from $7-$25000 I'm not very trusting and because it's such a big job it scares me that the house will fall down or the builder says they know what they're talking about but really don't. I've never done any renos hence why I'm a bit anxious Load bearing wall removal help 2Jun 16, 2017 7:56 am I stand to be corrected, but not only is a builder not allowed to make a structural decision of this magnitude, but may not even be qualified. For structural work I'm pretty sure you would need a development application with plans drawn up by a structural engineer, thus providing certification during the build process for your and future owners' peace of mind. I'd go and talk to the local council to seek their advice. Re: Load bearing wall removal help 3Jun 16, 2017 9:13 am Cherie1987 Most people aren't trusting..but I've found they always trust Building Regulators & Engineers... funny...not so much Contractors & Builders the Quality & Accuracy of the advice is dependant on the question & information provided..photos & sketches do help? Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Load bearing wall removal help 4Jun 17, 2017 3:43 pm Any builders that don't recommend to apply for permits for structural work which would also include drawings and engineering to support your scope of works should not have a builders licence. Your pricing is varying considerably and you need to examine the quotes or ask what each builder is allowing for in their quote. Also without plans/specs and engineering will make it more difficult to get accurate pricing Re: Load bearing wall removal help 5Jun 17, 2017 10:28 pm Do structural engineers know builders or can recommend them? Say for instance i get a structural engineer to look at it and get a report, would they usually lead you in the direction of a good builder? Re: Load bearing wall removal help 6Jun 18, 2017 9:41 am Hi Cherie1987 To be honest save your money (for your renovation) you don't need a fancy report from anyone. But you may need a certified structural sketch or detail, what's it worth afew hundred dollars...maybe? The engineer should be able to tell you the approx costs, materials and best way to do it (included with the sketch cost) If the job is over a certain contract amount eg $20k you will need a registered builder otherwise for jobs less than the contract amount all you need is a registered contractor. Check with your local Council building authority and Builder & Contractor Registration Board in your State Here are my tips for small jobs 1. Have the job properly inspected and get a sketch or detail , specifications and reference the NCC & Codes 2. Make sure you are clear on the work that needs to be done, "good documentation" is a MUST as the contractor MUST be clear on the "SCOPE OF WORKS" 3. Get 3 quotes, check Contractor & Builders registration & References,qualifications, Insurances, google searches for complaints, etc. 4. Write up an agreement for the works include , costs ie Fixed & Variations, Breach & Termination , progress payments , time, maintenance period, Final inspection & Handover,etc 5.Go through the agreement with the contractor make sure everyone is aware of their obligations, a 10% deposit for consideration is fair amount 6. Sorry if I've left something out..others can add to the list... Goodluck Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Load bearing wall removal help 7Jun 18, 2017 12:58 pm Engineering for your job could be between $600-1,000, then there are costs for a draftsmen, building permits etc. If you have existing house plans then that lowers the cost of the draftsmen. If the job is over $5,000 you need to enter into a major domestic building contract, e.g Hia alterations and additions contract, which will have all the legal clauses and everything you need in there. Any work over $16,000 requires warranty insurance. In Victoria it's a registered builder either a DB-Unlimited or DB-Limited who can carry out work that requires contracts, structural work etc Re: Load bearing wall removal help 8Jun 20, 2017 10:37 am cherie1987 Lets do the math $1000 engineer $1000 Draftsman $1000 Building Inspector $3000 Total+ Fees That leaves less than $2000 for the actual Real Work LOL...I guess you can't do it in Victoria? Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Any structural alteration to your home requires building permit. Before you get it you will have to supply plans with structural assessment, you will also be removing… 2 4120 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair At a bit of a loss on this one - we're thinking the original owners never removed the protective laminate covers from their kitchen cabinets after installation and in the… 0 6330 Hi, planning on using the attached stone pieces in my bathroom. I want to remove stains and gloss seal. 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