Help regarding building structure and placement

[mynheers_a_pint]

Afternoon all,

I've got a query for those who may have expereince in the building trade.

I am preparing to move into a new flat and originally agreed the move based on the fact that the flooring was said to be Concrete. However, I have just discovered that the floor is in fact wooden. Now, the flat is ground floor so my first assumption is that it should be fairly sturdy however the upper surface appears to be chipboard layed on top of joists. To add at this point, that tank is 314g but is 21sq ft so has the same weight per sq ft as a standard 180g.

Am i safe to assume that a ground floor flat should have adequate support for this or should i start investigating more seriously? I'm in the process of getting hold of the plans and will consult a local structural engineer but i thought I'd see what people have experience... i'm sure I'm not the only person!

Cheers.

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

Just to add, the tank will be against an external wall and a set of communal stairs/secondary wall.

 

[dawnmarie]

Am i safe to assume that a ground floor flat should have adequate support for this or should i start investigating more seriously?

NO, and yes.
A little more investigation is in order.
Are you able to access the floor from underneath to determine the size, spacing and orientation of the floor framing ?
Have you received approval from the landlord ?
Sounds like you are approaching the problem responsibly so you should be able to work it out.

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

the landlord has been informed- they weren't fussed about the fish tank nor me removing a window to get the bloody thing in!

I've put a request in with the local council and requested documentation regarding the original build and have also begun talking to a structural engineer.

At the moment, i cant get access but i think that might be the next stop, based on the advice from the structural engineer (when he gets back to me..!).

Great timing this with all of 1.5 weeks until i move in..!

 

[mynheers_a_pint]

just a quick update. I have booked a builder to come and take a look. their educated assumption is that the floor beneath is infact concrete but that the floor is floating on either insulating foam or battons. This is apparently, the way most buildings of the age (1990's) were built.) Eitherway, it is highly unlikley that it is a void floor. They're gonig to look anyway and will most likley re-inforce the floating floor with battons between the concrete and chipboard.

So possibly a bit of good news..!