During a property renovation it may be necessary to remove a loadbearing wall to create the increasingly popular open plan living space that many homeowners want. If this is the case, a reinforced steel joist, RSJ, will be required to take the load that the wall previously supported. This process needs a professional builder as it is not straightforward and requires someone who is experienced in the construction industry.

The first step is to use a structural engineer to calculate the size of the steel beam that will be needed for the job. They will be able to advise the homeowner on the relevant building regulations that will need to be applied for and supply written calculations that will be required by the building inspector.

Once the permission to continue with the construction has been given, purchasing the RSJ will be the next step. They can usually be ordered from a steel merchant where they will be cut to size to the specifications given.

Before the supporting wall is removed it is essential that acrow props are in place to temporarily support the walls above until the steel beam is in place. At various stages in the process the building inspector will need to check that the work has been carried out correctly.