First steps needed to remove chimney breast

red_imps_2003

I apologise if this is the wrong thread, but I didn't know where else to seek guidance. We have recently completed the purchase of a new home. In a few months' time we would like to get the chimney breast removed from the living room to open up the space and make it more versatile for placement of furniture, which is currently restricted.

From reading around I know it is not as simple as just getting a builder in to hack it out and a plasterer in to make it all pretty again. The council needs notifying for buildings regulations and a structural engineer will need to verify that the planned/completed work is structurally sound. What I want to know is what is the first phone call I should make to get underway? Do I get the builder in first to provide their estimates and describe what they intend to do then get their plans inspected and signed off by a structural engineer, or do I need the latter first to explain what can be done and then I find a builder willing and qualified to do what s/he says? At what point do I contact the council to get their approval? Right at the start to check I am allowed to do it in the first place? Before the work proper gets underway? Only after work is completed to sign it off?

If anybody with experience can provide a rough step-by-step outline I would really appreciate it. I just don't know where to start.

Context
In case it is significant, it is a semi-detached property and the chimney stack rises right through the middle of our house (ground to above the roof line) and does not join the adjacent semi, so there should be no party wall issues to contend with. I know I can either have it all taken out or just sections, with some form of support needed for whatever remains above.

Doozergirl

Get your structural engineer first. They will provide the method for builders to quote from and you don't have to have strange conversations about their own personal preference of method.

A friendly builder will deal with the lot for you, in all reality, but it's great that you know what to expect and are of course now free to get some MSE quotes from structural engineers and you'll know how much the council building control costs.

I think building control like 14 days notice before starting but as long as you pay their fee, you'll get an inspection appointment the next day, usually.

It should only need one inspection and then sign off, so if you're around when they come and inspect, you'll know the work is good.

Doozergirl

There's an "In my Home (including DIY)" board - that's the best place for this and future questions you have about fixing up the house

But I've given you the right advice :rotfl:

red_imps_2003

Perfect! Thank you for the info and for directions to the "In my Home" thread, which I have bookmarked for [frequent] future reference.

Cheers.

Arthritic_Toe

Dont do it! Get a log burner instead.

Mocha61

Be prepared for lots of dust! the structural engineer will do any drawings for you giving correct sizes for rsj's to support whats left of the chimney.

Soot2006

An ENORMOUS amount of dust. We did this 4 years ago. Found a reputable building company and let them deal with everything -- gave them a key to the house and said Get On With It. Three weeks later the house was much bigger. The dust/mess/brick crumbs were spectacular.

jimbog

Soot2006 wrote: »

An ENORMOUS amount of dust. We did this 4 years ago. Found a reputable building company and let them deal with everything -- gave them a key to the house and said Get On With It. Three weeks later the house was much bigger. The dust/mess/brick crumbs were spectacular.

A pretty apt username in that case!

Algar

First steps needed to remove chimney breast

Make sure the fire is out.