Removing a chimney breast is often a choice homeowners make when they want to create more space in their home. If you are considering removing your chimney breast, it’s important to know there are regulations to consider during the renovation process of a chimney breast removal.
If you are planning to remove an internal chimney breast at ground and/or first floor you most likely don’t need to remove the external stack. This means that you won’t have to alter the roof or external appearance of your property, which is good if you’re on a tighter budget.
However, as you will only be removing parts of the chimney breast, this will need to be supported and will require the expertise of a structural engineer. Their role will be to assess your property and calculate the type of steel beam that you will need to keep your building structurally sound, once the chimney breast has been removed.
If the chimney and the stack are all fully removed, including above roof level, there should be no need for extra structural supports, which your structural engineer can confirm.
Get a Party Wall Agreement in place
A Party Wall Agreement is a signed document whereby the neighbours declare the quality and existing condition of the shared wall. Should anything happen to impact the integrity of the walls, it will help decide whether it occurred as a result of the chimney breast removal. This document gives protection to both parties. If you don’t give notice to your neighbours, they are within their rights to request you to stop building until an agreement is in place. A Party Wall Agreement is always the expense of the homeowner undertaking the chimney breast removal.
How much does it cost to remove a chimney breast?
The cost of removing a chimney breast varies, and can depend on whether or not it forms part of a larger project or not. It is recommended that you put aside a budget for at least £5,000. Other factors you might need to consider when removing a chimney breast, depending on the rest of your build project and your property include:
- Planning Permission to remove a chimney breast
- Building Regulations for removing a chimney breast
- Rerouting/disconnecting gas pipes
Neasden Structural Engineers can help clients in any of the following areas in north west London:
Camden
Chiswick
Ealing
East Finchley
Edgware
Hampstead
Harrow
Kilburn
Shepherds Bush
Wembley
Willesden
If you’re looking for a professional structural engineer to help you with a chimney breast removal project, give us a call today on 020 8088 2243 or complete the form on our
