Removing chimney breast from middle of bungalow

annieb1981

We have recently had our bungalow extended and just as we thought we were at the stage to lay our flooring and decorate we find out all the new floors need to be dug up. Along with this we also have to have house re-skimmed. Since all the work is going to be messy within itself we are now contemplating in adding the removal of a chimney breast to the mix, thinking it can't make thing any worse! My question is, do we need planning permission or building control involved? Building control are still involved at the moment as house hasn't been signed off anyway. My second question is, the chimney breast connects two fire places one in front and then behind so we would be removing it all top to bottom,is this very expensive?

We will be moved out of the house for work on the floor to commence so removing the chimney at that stage will not be of any inconvenience to us or indeed the house since it is still like a building site!

Any advice greatly welcomed

Doozergirl

You need a structural engineer, first and foremost. A central chimney breast can be integral to the structure.

Then you will need Building Control approval for the removal, in line with the engineer's calculations. If your current application is for general renovations, they will probably include it as part of that, instrad of a new application.

annieb1981

Doozergirl wrote: »

You need a structural engineer, first and foremost. A central chimney breast can be integral to the structure.

Then you will need Building Control approval for the removal, in line with the engineer's calculations. If your current application is for general renovations, they will probably include it as part of that, instrad of a new application.

Thanks Doozergirl,
I think I am hoping for it to be as little hassle as possible to keep my husband convinced it's a good idea!

ErolGirl

We are in the process of having our chimney removed from our house. Structural engineer and building control needed. It's turning out to be much more work than we thought as we are having to support the external chimney at attic level. If you remove the external chimney you need planning permission.

annieb1981

ErolGirl wrote: »

We are in the process of having our chimney removed from our house. Structural engineer and building control needed. It's turning out to be much more work than we thought as we are having to support the external chimney at attic level. If you remove the external chimney you need planning permission.

ahh ErolGirl really!? I have possibly over simplified this in my mind I fear :eek:

EachPenny

ErolGirl wrote: »

We are in the process of having our chimney removed from our house. Structural engineer and building control needed. It's turning out to be much more work than we thought as we are having to support the external chimney at attic level. If you remove the external chimney you need planning permission.

I was going to add to Doozergir's sound advice that the OP does need to check the situation with planning.

In most cases consent probably wouldn't be required, but if the building is listed, in a conservation area etc then it may be necessary to get consent.

That includes work internally (if listed) as well.

king132

From what I understand - if you have a chimney removed completely then no Building Regs are needed but if you are only having part of it removed then you do.

If in doubt call up your local Council Building Control office and ask the question.

annieb1981

king132 wrote: »

From what I understand - if you have a chimney removed completely then no Building Regs are needed but if you are only having part of it removed then you do.

If in doubt call up your local Council Building Control office and ask the question.

I will speak to building control soon about this as I would like to get a price asap too. I think gather the all the pros so I can match them against hubbys cons!

EachPenny

king132 wrote: »

From what I understand - if you have a chimney removed completely then no Building Regs are needed but if you are only having part of it removed then you do.

If in doubt call up your local Council Building Control office and ask the question.

That isn't correct.

If (amongst other things) the structural engineer decides that the chimney doesn't serve a structural function of any kind then Building Regs approval would not normally be required.

If the chimney has a structural function then structural alterations are required, even if the entire chimney is being removed. Those structural alterations will almost certainly require Building Regs involvement.

A structural engineer should be consulted for the appropriate advice.