Removing Chimney Breasts

[aaront]

I'm on the ground floor with a flat above me (and the roof above that).

I want to remove the chimney breast in the kitchen - its covered over and I will never need a fire in the kitchen.

Access to the flat above is problematical. My question is - is it possible to remove a chimney breast to the floorboards of the flat above? How is it supported?

Again, any info is gratefully received.

 

[breezer]

it is "possible" but it is NOT a diy job, and you will also need to have a "support wall" built to support the rsj holding up the chimney above, sort of defeats the object really, but thats just my opinion

 

[masona]

Agreed with breezer and you may also need building permission as they are now getting tougher plus you might also have problem selling it on if no drawing plans was made.Best to get a free advice from your local building control.

 

[miah]

We have recently dismantled our chimney breast from upstairs to the ground floor.

We had to summit a building control form from our local council and the technical surveyor informed us that we have to put a steel beam across from one side of the wall to the other side along with same steel plate.

Its possible in you situation but first and foremost you’d have to speak with you Building control.

Note, this isn’t an DIY job to put the steel beam up. Probably once the builder puts up the steel beam and council certifies it you can try dismantling the breaks etc…but its very missy job though!

Cost involved estimated

Council fee £117 for inspection
Builder labor £600 – 700 for the entire chimney plus putting up the steel beam brackets

1 chimney should be £300 - £350
Steel beam £80 -£90
Building material – Sharp sand cement etc…£80

 

[DavidH]

Lot cheaper to make it into a nice feature!

 

[aaront]

Thanks for the advice.

I will look into stripping the wall back to the brick and opening it up as a feature.