Do we need another oversight by building control?

Slinky

We are currently having extensions built under planning permission and with building control visiting periodically.

We've decided we want the chimney taken out in its entirity, from pot to groundfloor fireplace, brests, the lot, gone.  It runs up the centre of our property, adjoining the loadbearing wall.

The builder is confident there are no structural issues with doing this in our house. Do we need to involve building control? If so can this be as a adjunct to their existing visits, or will we need to put in a separate application?

Section62

Slinky said:

The builder is confident there are no structural issues with doing this in our house. Do we need to involve building control? If so can this be as a adjunct to their existing visits, or will we need to put in a separate application?

IMV yes, as sooner or later someone will want to see the signoff for the chimney removal.

Froma self-preservation perspective, chimneys often have a lateral support function, and it is quite likely the loadbearing wall gains some of its strength from the lateral support provided by the chimney.

I wouldn't rely on a builder to give structural engineering advice.

You probably won't need to make a separate application (it depends on the individual LABC) but either way make sure you have something in writing which confirms the chimney removal is within the scope of the project.

macman

Party Wall Notice may be applicable?

Bendy_House

Hi Slinky.

Hopefully your BCO is as helpful and normal as ours. If you call them up, they will hopefully come out, have a look, chat with the builder, and accept the proposal - ie if it's obviously not an 'issue'.

Or, they might go 'hmmmm', and insist on an SE checking it out.

BCOs stop being helpful or 'reasonable' when they sense someone is pulling a fast one, cutting corners, or trying to get away without proper supervision.

If you do not contact them, and they notice the missing stack when they next come out, you can anticipate a 'gulp' moment.

Slinky

macman said:

Party Wall Notice may be applicable?

It's not on a party wall thanks.

Slinky

I've pinged an email over to BC asking what course of action they require and the SE is digging out our file from his previous work to take a look.

Slinky

SE says there's nothing worth him looking at at this point as it's all covered up apart from the section through the loft and the builders should be able to see if there's anything difficult to deal with there.  If the builders find any issues, they should be able to come and have a look within 48 hours to work out a plan.

BC says get on with it and they will deal with any problems found as they arise, as part of the existing oversight.

Slinky

Have double checked with BC if they require any oversight at all if no problems are encountered, and they confirm 'if nothing is supported by the chimney, just remove it.'

Have got this on an email so will print it off and keep with rest of the planning documents.

FreeBear

Slinky said: Have double checked with BC if they require any oversight at all if no problems are encountered, and they confirm 'if nothing is supported by the chimney, just remove it.'

If the chimney is internal, you will probably find a couple of floor & ceiling joists hanging off the brickwork. The builders should be able to sister these up with timbers spanning the full width of the room.

Slinky

FreeBear said:

Slinky said: Have double checked with BC if they require any oversight at all if no problems are encountered, and they confirm 'if nothing is supported by the chimney, just remove it.'

If the chimney is internal, you will probably find a couple of floor & ceiling joists hanging off the brickwork. The builders should be able to sister these up with timbers spanning the full width of the room.

That's what we are expecting to find. The brest in the lounge is massive as on one side it served the old fireplace in the lounge (we had bricked up) and also the boiler which is in the kitchen on the other side of the wall also backs into it. This boiler is being replaced and relocated. I'm hoping we'll find joists between the two flues go all the way to the supporting wall. The brest through our bedroom above is much narrower.