Looking for advice from a Builder/Carpenter

Rhaos

Rhaos

Rhaos

Associate
Joined
28 Apr 2008
Posts
673
Hi All

As the title reads, I am looking for some advice regarding a hole in the ceiling :)

To cut a long story short, we used to require a lift/elevator between floors in our semi dettached. This was made so that my sister could be transported from the living room, into her bedroom as she was wheel chair bound.

Now the lift is no longer required. So I'm looking for advice regarding the work that is needed to a) remove the lift b) fix the hole in the ceiling/floor.

From what I know, in order to fit the lift/elevator, they needed to cut the 'joist' so I pressume a new joist will need to be fitted. However as I'm not in the trade, let alone have a clue regarding it, was hopign there might be a few OCUK builders/carpenters that might know what I'm talking about and could give some advice on how big of a job this is and if possible rough esitmates of what to look to pay for such a job.
 
I'm neither builder or joiner, but i've done my share of both, involving joists and replacing for load bearing etc.
Dismantling the lift shouldn't be a big issue for you.
You may find that the frame forms part of any load bearing structure, that should become more apparent once you've stripped most of it down.
Quite often cutting in a replacement joist is acceptable, and i'm gonna guess that the lift is adjacent to a wall and NOT forming any kind of load-bearing structure?
At its simplest, once you removed everytihng above and below the ceiling, you're left with what? a 4ft square hole maybe?
Re-joist, board out and finish may be all that's needed.

Did you get building regs involved when you installed the lift? if so, it may be worth contacting them now you're ripping it out, just in case.
 
Hi and thanks for replying to the post Banzai Joe.

I do beleive that the frame does act a a load bearing structure and you are correct it is adjacent to a wall.

The lift itself was fitted by the council however they haven't offered much help in assisting or finding someone to fix the hole.

In your eyes Banzai Joe, how much would such a job cost?
 
If it were a simple dismatle/ strip out which you do yourself, and you're just left with a hole, then replacing or repairing the joists shouldn't cost much. usually 6x2 timber joists (could be 5x2 or 7x2 though). 2m of 6x2 timber joist would only cost about £10.
Plasterboard is only about £6 for a 12.5mm 8x4 sheet (you might find an offcut from somewhere).
If the ceiling void is insulated (unusual, but some are) then a bit more insulation might be required.
Other than that, just sundry costs of finishing plaster, paint etc.
Yo may have to move some electrical wires? Cost of a sparky if you're not up to it.
 
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Thanks for the advice, doesn't sound as half bad as I thought it might however, I'm not at all clued up with carpentry let alone beable to do this job myslef. So likelihood is that I'll have to visit Checkatrade and find someone reputable to do the work. I take it I nead a Joiner then to carry out this work?
 
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Noooo...
If you google for something like "joist repair kit" you'll see how easy it can be.
Rather than ask a tradesman and pay tradesman fees, ask a competent DIY friend, if you really don't want to tackle it yourself.
 
Got any pics of the lift / area its in? Might make it easier to comment. Im not an expert, but i'd imagine any changes such as removing something like a lift would require the council to inspect it.
 
Yeah, was gonna say put up some pics so we can help further.
Agree with SMN actually. If council put it in, they should really take it out or there could be repercussions.
 
Banzai_Joe said:
Yeah, was gonna say put up some pics so we can help further.
Agree with SMN actually. If council put it in, they should really take it out or there could be repercussions.
Click to expand...

I'll try and get some photos done over the weekend.

However, Im not near skilled enough to do this work myself let alone know of anyone in my group of firends that would be able to assist :( So I would really need to call someone in to do this. Issue I haev is not sure the type of tradesman I'll need :P

Yet again really appreicate the assistance I'm getting from you guys.
 
No worries, get the pics up and i'm sure we'll be able to give you even better options.

Keep on at the council though, they put it in, they should take it out.
 
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