The dream of a bright, airy, open-plan kitchen and diner is something many homeowners in Newton Abbot and the surrounding South Devon villages share. Removing a wall can completely transform the “flow” of a house, turning dark, cramped rooms into a social hub for the family. However, internal structural work is not just about swinging a sledgehammer; it is a precise engineering task that requires a deep understanding of how your house holds itself up.
Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of South Devon Construction. I’m Devon born and bred, and I’ve spent over 25 years in the building trade. I started my career as a labourer, so I’ve done the “hard graft” of knocking through walls many times. Today, I combine that experience with a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management. At South Devon Construction, we follow traditional values of honesty and integrity, ensuring that every open-plan project we undertake is built to stay standing for generations.
Identifying Load-Bearing Walls
The most critical step in any open-plan project is identifying which walls are load-bearing. These are the walls that support the weight of the floors above, the roof, or even other internal walls. Removing one without the proper support can lead to sagging ceilings, cracked masonry, or in extreme cases, structural failure.
[Image showing a cross-section of a house with load-bearing walls highlighted]
In older properties across Ashburton and Totnes, you cannot always tell a wall’s importance just by tapping on it. Some timber-framed walls can be structural, while some solid-looking walls are merely partitions. Because I have a background in Construction Management, I work closely with structural engineers to calculate the exact loads before any work begins. We never guess; we calculate.
The Role of the RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist)
Once a load-bearing wall is removed, that weight needs to be redistributed. This is where the RSJ comes in. These heavy steel beams act as a bridge, carrying the load across the new opening and transferring it down into the remaining walls or new “padstones.”
Every build we work on is unique. My Level 3 Diploma in Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation allows me to help you budget for the right size of steel. We offer a tailor-made approach, ensuring the beam is tucked away “flush” into the ceiling wherever possible, giving you a seamless look rather than a visible “downstand” beam.
Temporary Support and Safety
The most dangerous part of structural work is the moment the wall is being removed. At South Devon Construction, we pride ourselves on a stress-free construction experience. We use heavy-duty temporary supports, known as Acrow props and “strongboys,” to hold up your ceilings while the new steel is being positioned. Our team of local professional tradesmen follows strict safety protocols to protect your home and your family throughout the process.
Navigating Building Control
Any structural change to your home requires Building Control approval. They will want to see the structural engineer’s calculations and inspect the steel once it is installed but before it is covered up. As your Principle Contractors, we manage this entire process for you. We handle the paperwork and the inspections, ensuring you receive a completion certificate that is vital for the future value of your property.
Quality and Customer Satisfaction
We cover a 10-mile radius from Newton Abbot, including Kingsteignton, Bovey Tracey, and Ipplepen. We strive to exceed expectations by not just doing the “hard graft,” but by providing a clean, professional finish. Once the steel is in, we handle the fire-rated plasterboarding, skimming, and making good, so your new open-plan space is ready for your new kitchen or furniture.
Are you ready to open up your home?
I’ve seen a lot of builds over 25 years, and I know that safety and quality are the only ways to approach structural work. I’d be happy to use my experience to give you an honest appraisal of what is possible in your home.
Would you like me to visit your property to identify your load-bearing walls and discuss the structural options for creating your perfect open-plan space?