chimney breast removal quote

Lobsta

Hi, would appreciate opinions on the below quote for a chimney breast removal up to loft. The structural engineer has said that it has to be supported by rsj from external wall to remaining chimney. I assume this quote does not include the cost of the rsj as we said we would be sourcing that ourselves.
this is the first quote we are still waiting for another and will try for a third but it seems its a job no one wants at the mo when work is easy to find.

"To remove chimney breast from bedroom and dining room

this will entail removal of chimney breast and clearing away from site.
to insert Rsjs as per structural engineers drawings.
Making good any disturbed areas of ceilings, floors and unplastered brickwork.

£3520.00 plus VAT

this price does not include any electrical work, plumbing work or decorating"

This is more than we expected so opinions gratefully received. We are on south northants/oxfordshire border.

Procrastinator333

It does depend where you are, but it seems high to me. Unless it is a huge chimney.

Presumably the waste will fit in one skip. So £300 on disposal. If they are bit paying for the RSJ. It might be £200 for other materials, such as plaster, floor boards, but probably not that much.

So the majority of that is labour. That is a lot of labour.

But, if it is a crappy job nobody wants and you can't get any better quote, then it is what it is. You then have the choice.

I would say just have a look where the RSJ is going. You can probably make a reasonable guess if any plumbing or electrics are needed? Any Rads or plugs/switches nearby?

That will also be a rather messy and dusty job. Be ready for it!

Lobsta

Thanks. They think it will be 2 skips. I don't think its a huge chimney, although in our small dining room it feels like it. Its about a metre across and half as deep and then half that upstairs. We wanted it removed as it makes both rooms awkward and feel small.
There are no electrics or plumbing involved, as far as we are aware anyway. It is an ex council house that is very very solidly built so they think it's going to be a tough job. Tbh we think it's too much money and if the other quote is the same we are going to work on a plan b.

mummyroysof3

If you don't share chimney then have you concidered having top outside and in loft removed first then do each room seperatd rather than all at once. This will mean less mess all at once