Hello,
yesterday we started tearing down a wall. We had received approval from the association to alter the wall, and we hadn't considered it to be load-bearing based on the blueprints and how it felt when tapped. To clarify, we want to modify the wall and close up the current doorway and instead create a new opening on the other side of the wall.
However, when we started opening up the wall yesterday, we got a bit panicked. There were initially vertical planks about 2.5cm thick, and behind those were large wooden planks 20cm long and 7cm thick. We became a bit worried that it might be a load-bearing wall or a wall with some supporting function. We decided to pause just to see if we should bring someone in! Does anyone have experience with this? And what do you think? We noticed that 2m up in the opening, there was a vertical thick plank that our builder thought was a previously planned doorway, but we just got so worried.
Should we contact someone, and if so, who??
According to those living in the association, many have different solutions there and have made alterations.
yesterday we started tearing down a wall. We had received approval from the association to alter the wall, and we hadn't considered it to be load-bearing based on the blueprints and how it felt when tapped. To clarify, we want to modify the wall and close up the current doorway and instead create a new opening on the other side of the wall.
However, when we started opening up the wall yesterday, we got a bit panicked. There were initially vertical planks about 2.5cm thick, and behind those were large wooden planks 20cm long and 7cm thick. We became a bit worried that it might be a load-bearing wall or a wall with some supporting function. We decided to pause just to see if we should bring someone in! Does anyone have experience with this? And what do you think? We noticed that 2m up in the opening, there was a vertical thick plank that our builder thought was a previously planned doorway, but we just got so worried.
Should we contact someone, and if so, who??
According to those living in the association, many have different solutions there and have made alterations.
The building looks like it is from around 1900-1910 (guess based on the layout and the house opposite). In Stockholm, I would say that at that time they did not have load-bearing walls made of wood but of brick, but the plan also shows that some parts have been rebuilt. Where is the building located? Have you been to the city planning office to get the drawings?
The building is from 1880!
No, we don't have it. Must one go there and retrieve it then, are there drawings other than these grade-separated ones. I am completely unfamiliar with all this. I logged in and checked all the matters there like building permits for the entire building and there were drawings. However, these drawings looked exactly like the floor plan.
No, we don't have it. Must one go there and retrieve it then, are there drawings other than these grade-separated ones. I am completely unfamiliar with all this. I logged in and checked all the matters there like building permits for the entire building and there were drawings. However, these drawings looked exactly like the floor plan.
Now I have found some more drawings.
Some from when the house was built, but also when the layout was remodeled, as there were many smaller apartments in the beginning I think. Then I also found the attic floor above that doesn't have a wall in that place.
In the first picture, you can see that the wall is a bit black, which I've understood usually indicates load-bearing walls, but at the same time, all the walls seem to be black here.
Do you mean there are more drawings if I go to the municipal building office?
Doesn't seem like it's possible to determine anything from this. I probably don't think they are load-bearing. But could they have some supportive function? And do you need a building permit if so? Now we aren't going to tear down the wall but just change the position of the opening.
Some from when the house was built, but also when the layout was remodeled, as there were many smaller apartments in the beginning I think. Then I also found the attic floor above that doesn't have a wall in that place.
In the first picture, you can see that the wall is a bit black, which I've understood usually indicates load-bearing walls, but at the same time, all the walls seem to be black here.
Do you mean there are more drawings if I go to the municipal building office?
Doesn't seem like it's possible to determine anything from this. I probably don't think they are load-bearing. But could they have some supportive function? And do you need a building permit if so? Now we aren't going to tear down the wall but just change the position of the opening.
If you make changes to a load-bearing structure (or similarly important I assume), a building notification is needed with calculations from a structural engineer.E Er.Am said:
I understand that. But this wall is not load-bearing, it's more a concern that it might have some function considering that it's so thick! But I guess you need a structural engineer to know for sure.
We have received approval from the association to modify the wall, and others in the building have done it. But they probably don't have any expertise in it.
We have received approval from the association to modify the wall, and others in the building have done it. But they probably don't have any expertise in it.
If you know it's not load-bearing, why did you create the thread?E Er.Am said:
Well, because I still became worried when the planks were so thick. I wondered if anyone had experience with such a wall and if there could still be any issues with removing them.
I also wondered if they could be walls that are not load-bearing but still have some purpose for being so thick. I assume forums are meant for sharing tips and experiences?
I also wondered if they could be walls that are not load-bearing but still have some purpose for being so thick. I assume forums are meant for sharing tips and experiences?
SBK should also have a sectional drawing. I find it hard to see that the wall is load-bearing, but it's possible to check with SBK. I thought you could take a short walk there, but I now see that they are closed for visits. But try calling when they open after lunch and see if they have a sectional drawing that shows the load-bearing parts.
In many associations where the foundations are old and may be uncertain, it is required that a construction-knowledgeable person participates and supervises the work. If a mistake is made, it can be costly for the association, which is why such requirements are set. If I understand correctly, the association has approved the intervention without making such demands. Then it is likely the association's responsibility if it leads to problems. Make sure you have the association's approval correctly and in writing. You can probably get more drawings at SBK, since you live nearby, but apparently not open for visits in these times. However, in an older house, there is a risk that changes have been made that are not documented, so it is not certain that the drawings are accurate.