You should keep in mind at all times that chimney removal is a lengthy, difficult process which can potentially lead to serious structural concerns. It is best to have several people working on the project at once, and having experts on-hand may significantly reduce the risk of complications.
similarly, Do I need permission to remove chimney?
Generally speaking You normally only need to ask for planning permission for alterations that affect the outside appearance of your home. … Therefore if you are planning to remove the chimney from above roof level, you would be required to seek planning consent in order to do this.
on the other hand, Does removing a chimney breast devalue a house?
Removing your chimney does not necessarily mean everything from top to bottom has to be taken out. … Removing a chimney breast from a room in your house will help create more space within your home. If this is your intention then you may only require it to be completed in a single room.
also, Does a fireplace add value to a home? Aside from the obvious benefits and drawbacks, wood or gas fireplaces add 50% to 75% of an increase in home value while an electric fireplace adds minimal value.
Can I knock down my chimney?
External chimney stack removal can be done from outside the building and, if done carefully, need not disrupt any internal decoration. An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack. … On the ground floor, the stack should be taken down to ground level.
Do you need a structural engineer to remove a chimney breast?
If you discover that the chimney breast you want to remove is real, then you will almost certainly need to contact a structural engineer. Actual chimney breasts form part of the structure of a house – once removed, the addition of support beams may need to be incorporated to support any masonry above.
Can you remove a chimney breast without removing the stack?
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.
Are chimney breasts structural?
Chimney breasts often become redundant with respect to their function as a chimney, due to installation of alternative heating methods such as central heating. Removal of the chimney breast can provide more floor space and a more regular shaped room. However, chimney breasts often have structural function.
Is removing a chimney breast expensive?
The costs involved with removing a chimney breast will vary depending on whether or not you’re looking to remove the entire chimney. … The cost to remove an entire chimney without the stack is on average around £2200-£2400, and the average price for removing the entire chimney stack with the breast is around £3000-£3500.
Can you remove half a chimney stack?
Simple Partial Chimney Removal Steps
Removing a chimney can be done either by entirely removing the full chimney, or by leaving the stack or chimney breast in place. It’s your home, and there are plenty of options for how you want to use your living space.
Which is better gas or wood burning fireplace?
In the battle for most efficient fireplace, gas fireplace efficiency is always going to win over wood fireplace efficiency. That’s because gas fireplaces burn more cleanly and produce fewer polluting emissions.
Where is the best place to put a fireplace?
If you want to get the most use out of your fireplace, plan to put the new fireplace in the most-used room in the house other than the kitchen, such as the family room or living room. For heating practicality, it makes sense to put it in a smaller, easy-to-heat room such as a master bedroom, office, or spare bedroom.
How much does it cost to put in a wood burning fireplace?
To install a wood-burning fireplace, the average homeowner can expect to pay between $860 and $3,500, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.
How much does it cost to remove a chimney stack?
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.
Are chimney breasts load bearing?
The chimney breasts are part of the building’s structure and taking them out should be approached in the same way as taking out a load bearing wall. … In some circumstances a system of gallows brackets may be agreeable to the building inspector but you must check with your local building control office first.
Can I remove chimney breast myself?
Taking Out a Chimney Breast – Can It Be Done? 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.
Do you need Neighbours permission to remove chimney breast?
If the chimney breast is attached to a wall between your home and another building you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbour before work can commence. Any gas, plumbing or electrical appliances and services need to be isolated and changed/removed before you begin.
Can a chimney breast be load bearing?
The chimney breasts are part of the building’s structure and taking them out should be approached in the same way as taking out a load bearing wall. … The remaining sections of chimney and stack will need to be supported and usually this will need a steel beam.
Is it worth removing a chimney breast?
Removing your chimney does not necessarily mean everything from top to bottom has to be taken out. … Removing a chimney breast from a room in your house will help create more space within your home. If this is your intention then you may only require it to be completed in a single room.
Can you remove a chimney breast yourself?
Taking Out a Chimney Breast – Can It Be Done? 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.
Is a chimney breast structural?
Chimney breasts often become redundant with respect to their function as a chimney, due to installation of alternative heating methods such as central heating. Removal of the chimney breast can provide more floor space and a more regular shaped room. However, chimney breasts often have structural function.
Is it worth removing chimney stack?
Taking down a chimney stack is not your typical do it yourself type of job. It is a potentially dangerous job. If something was to go wrong, it could also cause a lot of damage to the structure of the roof. Any damage to the roofs structure would cost a considerable amount of money to put right.
Do I need a party wall agreement to remove a chimney stack?
except you can’t, because if the chimney stack is on a shared or party wall you will need party wall agreement. If you are doing any work on a party wall – and this is quite major structural work – you must follow the procedures laid out in the Party Wall etc Act.
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