Builders/structural engineers

[One More Solo]

This is a bit of a newb question but bear with me! We want to replace our draughty wooden front door with a newer PVC one, but the firm that came out to quote has pointed out that the existing door frame is effectively load bearing so they a) wouldn't want to remove the frame without support in place and b) don't think a PVC door frame would support the weight of our porch roof. What they've suggested is to insert a steel spanning the width above the existing frame and pin this to the walls either side so that the door no longer serves a structural purpose. This seems reasonable to me and I doubt the current design would have been signed off under building regs as they are now.

My question is who would be contacting to quote for this sort of work? Would we speak to a builder who would bring in a structural engineer to do the calculations, or speak to an engineer and then instruct a builder?

 

[Maundie]

Not personally done this but I think a builder would be able to advise if a structural engineer is required, I guess it's just a case of inserting a RSJ to load bear over the door frame, builders do it all the time with patio\bi-fold doors and enlarging windows

 

[Hagar]

A catnic style steel lintel will do if it only supports the brickwork. Get advice from a builder in the first instance

 

[Chabsy]

Can you post some photos. I work as a surveyor for a glazing company.

 

[One More Solo]

Can you post some photos. I work as a surveyor for a glazing company.

Here you go (click for full size). Thanks in advance.

 

[NoobCannon]

You must be insane to want rid of that lovley looking wood and glass, id be spending money on replacing door seals/draught seals before changing it for pvc

 

[Chabsy]

Here you go (click for full size). Thanks in advance.

It is difficult to see from the photo but there could be a timber beam (plate) above the door, without proper investgation I dont think they can just say you need to get structural work done.

 

[-Ad-]

That door looks quite nice from a first glance. Get it adjusted and sort the seals out to try and rectify as a first attempt.

Show us what's actually wrong with it.

A ****y plastic early learning centre door isn't going to do anything other that drain your bank account and give you a horrible plastic door.

 

[tamzzy]

You must be insane to want rid of that lovley looking wood and glass, id be spending money on replacing door seals/draught seals before changing it for pvc

this

 

[Chabsy]

That door looks quite nice from a first glance. Get it adjusted and sort the seals out to try and rectify as a first attempt.

Show us what's actually wrong with it.

A ****y plastic early learning centre door isn't going to do anything other that drain your bank account and give you a horrible plastic door.

Yes I agree, if it really need doing then something nice in aluminium would be better.