Removing an internal wall

krishna

We want to remove much of a wall in the house we are buying. It is a brick wall between kitchen and rear reception room. There is a fireplace and chimney breast in it. We want to retain the fireplace (currently has a gas boiler installed in it which the surveyor has suggested we replace), but remove the bits of wall to either side. Survey said that strictly speaking we ought to insert steel lintels, but that timber ones should be sufficient.

How much of this work could I do myself and how much would I need to get a builder in for? I was thinking of getting the lintels installed for us and then removing the rest of the brick work myself. Does this make sense or is it not cost effective to do that?

Any idea of costs?

I know I'll need to get a plasterer in when we are done, in order to finish that off.

Floor plan below, if it helps.

missprint

It's not clear from your plan where the chimney breast is. It doesn't seem to appear in the master bedroom if that is the room that is above the kitchen wall.

Canucklehead

Good morning: If you are 100% confident (and, most importantly, have the requisite skills) this site explains how to DIY it http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/OPENING_A_WALL.htm

No idea on cost...get at least 3 quotes in from reputable tradespersons ( and check they have liability insurance for starters:eek: ) Safety first!

HTH

Canucklehead

krishna

The blacked out rectangles are chimney breast. It is a little strange on the plans (just Estate Agent ones) but there were originally fire places in both reception rooms and the chimney breasts kind of angle up and merge together at first floor level.