steel posts in timber wall

g'day all,
I'm about to start a major upstairs reno, so I'll be lurking a bit.
Couple of questions...
1.. What are the OB legal requirements in Vic - where do I find them?
2.. I'm using steel posts let into lower old section of house walls to support beams above. I'm thinking of using steel stumps with a sleeve setup for them thru bottom plate. Q is what is the game plan to get these posts in, external, internal from the top ( bash thru noggins )
Is there a better idea? I realise I can ramset studs either side of steel post but concerned about topplate as far as bracing etc goes


open to ideas

To get you posts in you will have to remove the plaster

1. All you need to do is get a certificate of concent from the Building Practisioners Board and pay about $70. There is no training course requirement etc. like in NSW. But I would also recommend the consumer affairs site for good details on legal issues and things like insurance that you should definately consider.

See www.buildingcommission.com.au


1a. While your at it it seems to be little know but once you have your CoC you can take it to Bunnings and they will give you and OB trade card, which gives an average of 10% discount.

2. I guess you don't want to open the lower walls? How many posts does your design require you to put in? It's a little hard to see exactly what you are doing and to what scale but there may be better ways? For example I have seen attic space converted by running steel beams along each side of the house so that are resting on the end load bearing walls (which would require a bit of reinforcing and additional stumps below) then engineered joists are hung between the beams.

Maybe you could put up a plan of what you are trying to do? Then someone more experienced that I with this sort of reno might comment on the easiest way.

If there is steel posts and beams involved then I'd say it would have to be designed by an engineer. As for installation, then I'm with djstimber and OBBob. You'll almost definitely have to remove the plaster, and give more detail on what's going in and where if you want specific advice. Photos would help.

yes maybe a little foggy. pre reno procrastination.
When i get plans back from engineer/architect all may become clear.
yes I realise wall sheeting has to come off but...
I'll be back.
Thanks for heads up about that building prac mob OBbob

Ah ha ... sleepless nights to come ...

Dbl post