Chimney breast advice / help

Doozergirl

You need a SE because if you don't you might have an underengineered solution.

This is exactly what SEs are for.

You also need Building Control Approval for the work and they will demand the SEs calcs.

I'm surprised you haven't made the call. I'd have been on the phone first thing this morning as an emergency.

stuart45

aj9648 wrote: »

Do I need an SE or is it a case of if I do get an SE then it will be an over engineered solution?

Over engineering is better in potentially dangerous situations. With chimneys their stabilty depends on how well they are tied into the party wall when the masonry below is removed.
As the party walls were often built first and the chimney jambs built later the ties were often poor or non existent.

aj9648

Doozergirl wrote: »

You need a SE because if you don't you might have an underengineered solution.

This is exactly what SEs are for.

You also need Building Control Approval for the work and they will demand the SEs calcs.

I'm surprised you haven't made the call. I'd have been on the phone first thing this morning as an emergency.

Thanks

I’ve had the SE round and then builders who have questioned why I need an SE and it’s a simple job. So I was doubting myself a little!!

Doozergirl

aj9648 wrote: »

Thanks

I’ve had the SE round and then builders who have questioned why I need an SE and it’s a simple job. So I was doubting myself a little!!

You had the wrong builders round

Glad you've seen the SE. Do it once, do it right and you'll be safe and have no questions when you sell.

aj9648

Re the party wall agreement - can I do that myself or do I need to appoint someone to do it on my behalf?

Doozergirl

You can serve the notice. There will be templates on the internet.

You want them to agree, so tea and chats first, reassure them that you'll fix any problems and take photos beforehand of their walls.