Can I remove chimney breast?

An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack. No only does this mean it is actually not as disruptive as you might have thought, but it also avoids the need to alter the roof or external appearance and character of the building.

Is it worth removing chimney breast?

For older homes, chimney breasts are often classed as desirable features. They offer a traditional and cosy feel that's attractive to many homebuyers. Therefore, if you remove your chimney, you're likely to remove what many consider an asset. This will result in your home's value decreasing.

Do you need planning permission to remove chimney breast?

Planning permission is not normally required to remove a chimney stack or a chimney breast from a dwelling as long as it is not a listed building or located within a Conservation Area and any repairs/infilling to the roof is done using materials which match those already used on the property.

Can you get rid of chimney breast?

It is possible to take out a chimney breast, but bear in mind the fact that this is not a quick DIY job you can do yourself. When you take out a chimney breast, you are also removing an important load-bearing wall.

Why do people remove chimney breast?

Why do people remove chimney breasts? Removing a chimney breast can help to free up significant space in a home, which is especially valuable in built-up areas, such as London. Many people simply don't need a fireplace anymore with thanks to central heating, and they just consider it wasted floor space.

Using Gallows Brackets to Safely Remove a Chimney Breast

Does removing a fireplace decrease home value?

But losing a fireplace can affect a home's appeal and possibly even its resale value, real estate pros say. A fireplace can particularly be viewed as a valuable amenity in colder climates, and removing one could even reduce the number of buyers drawn to a property, some agents say.

Do chimneys provide structural support?

The chimney breast is both the most visible and vital portions of a chimney. This brick wall encases the flu and other functional parts, providing extra insulation and major structural support.

Can I knock down a wall with a chimney breast?

Chimney breast walls, although sometimes there for cosmetics—are often constructed for structural support. If you want to rip out the wall, you'll need a professional to give it a once-over, so you won't cause irreparable damage to the rest of your home.

Is a chimney breast a party wall?

If the chimney stack is on a shared or party wall you will need a party wall agreement. If you are doing any work on a party wall (and removing a chimney breast from a party wall is quite major structural work) you must follow the procedures laid out in the Party Wall etc Act.

Can you remove a chimney breast in a semi-detached house?

You can't simply remove the chimney breast from a bedroom in a fully detached house as the exterior stack will be left unsupported – however, this isn't a problem for semi-detached houses since the party wall has strong self-supporting brickwork.

Can you remove half a chimney stack?

you can not remove half of a shared chimney stack because the brick work is all tied in together and removeal of your half of the stack will cause it to become unstable.

What can I do with a chimney breast?

How much does it cost to remove a fireplace UK?

Fireplace Removal

It's estimated to cost between £500 to £1,000 to remove a wood-burning fireplace. It's estimated to cost between £500 to £2,000 to remove a stone fireplace.

Can you remove a chimney breast in a terraced house?

In a terraced or semi-detached house, the chimney stack could be sited on a shared party wall. In order to remove the chimney breast within the roof space, there would have to be extensive negotiation with the owner of the adjacent property, which may well share the flue.

Should chimneys be removed?

But there are reasons to have your chimney removed. Chimneys require maintenance like anything else, and if they don't get enough of it, they can start to cause problems with things like insulation, leakage, and even structural concerns—nobody wants a chimney stack to fall on their head.

How can I tell if a fireplace is load-bearing?

Most people with experience could usually tell whether the fireplace is load-bearing or not. But, if you're a newbie when it comes to renovation, you could check the wall of the fireplace above and below. If there is a wall on top of it and that wall supports another level of your house, that's a load-bearing wall.

Do you need a party wall agreement to remove a chimney?

Removing a chimney breast is fine if you are taking it out all the way through, right up to the chimney stack, if they have only removed it on one level (say downstairs) then they would have to put steels in to take the weight of the chimney stack above, so then they would need party wall agreement.

How much does it cost to remove a chimney stack UK?

The cost of chimney stack removal usually varies between £950 – £1200. There are many different factors to take into account, such as the size of the chimney stack, is scaffolding required and what part of the country you live in. Labour costs for two qualified roofers would be in the range of £250 -£300 per day.

Do I need building regulations to remove a chimney stack?

Building regulations apply only to the structural works and thus when removing internal chimney breasts, Building Control approval is required.

Is a chimney considered structural?

Chimneys 101

A majority of chimneys are independently supported and are not structural to the walls or roof. However, it isn't uncommon for chimneys to be in the middle of a home or stretch from the foundation, through multiple stories, and out the roof.

How long does chimney breast removal take?

It takes, on average, about four to eight hours to remove just a chimney stack, one and a half days to remove a chimney breast, whether on the ground floor or first floor, two to three days to remove an entire chimney breast while leaving the stack in place, or three to four days for the same work but with the chimney ...