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Hi all
First time on here and I'm hoping you can help.
We're in the process of purchasing a 1930's semi which had four fireplaces, 2 up and 2 down, the same as the adjoining neighbours.
In the living room one Chimney breast is still present (the 'feature' chimney breast) but the corner chimney breast has been removed. The fireplace directly above in the bedroom still exists.
We queried this and found out that it was done somewhere between 15-30 years ago by other vendors, and it was unlikely that any building regs had been obtained when it was done.
We asked them to pull up the floorboards so we could inspect what was there which they have done tonight and we've been informed, by the current vendor, that what we're looking at is a concrete lintel that goes into the party wall and is sufficient to hold up the chimney breast in the bedroom. I have no reason to doubt him, he has been quite open with us about other things, but he was getting his information from somebody else. We too took advice from an elderly relative who used to be a builder, and he advised that we should see a concrete lintel. However, I'm still not sure whether this is a lintel or a hearth.
The picture below is of the concrete slab, but unfortunately needs to be rotated by 90 degrees, and the fireplace is on the wall above it, but covered over.
We understand that they're not keen on paying for the expense of a structural engineer as we've been told by the Estate Agents that they believe as it has stood for so long without any issue there isn't a concern, and neither are we if that all looks above board. Neither can we really afford to, as the house has stretched us to our limits as it is.
It has stood on awful long time with no visible signs of cracks (although I have noticed in that image a slight mark on the wall to the right, following one of the wooden posts, but that could be a mark from a bedside cabinet which usually stands near there.)
Any advice greatly appreciated. View media item 37559
First time on here and I'm hoping you can help.
We're in the process of purchasing a 1930's semi which had four fireplaces, 2 up and 2 down, the same as the adjoining neighbours.
In the living room one Chimney breast is still present (the 'feature' chimney breast) but the corner chimney breast has been removed. The fireplace directly above in the bedroom still exists.
We queried this and found out that it was done somewhere between 15-30 years ago by other vendors, and it was unlikely that any building regs had been obtained when it was done.
We asked them to pull up the floorboards so we could inspect what was there which they have done tonight and we've been informed, by the current vendor, that what we're looking at is a concrete lintel that goes into the party wall and is sufficient to hold up the chimney breast in the bedroom. I have no reason to doubt him, he has been quite open with us about other things, but he was getting his information from somebody else. We too took advice from an elderly relative who used to be a builder, and he advised that we should see a concrete lintel. However, I'm still not sure whether this is a lintel or a hearth.
The picture below is of the concrete slab, but unfortunately needs to be rotated by 90 degrees, and the fireplace is on the wall above it, but covered over.
We understand that they're not keen on paying for the expense of a structural engineer as we've been told by the Estate Agents that they believe as it has stood for so long without any issue there isn't a concern, and neither are we if that all looks above board. Neither can we really afford to, as the house has stretched us to our limits as it is.
It has stood on awful long time with no visible signs of cracks (although I have noticed in that image a slight mark on the wall to the right, following one of the wooden posts, but that could be a mark from a bedside cabinet which usually stands near there.)
Any advice greatly appreciated. View media item 37559