Questions re removing chimney breast

SpellboundIsle

I want to remove a chimney breast (no fireplace) from the ground floor. It's in the living room. First we thought there was no chimney on the first floor (bedrooms), but after we measured the rooms, we think there could be a chimney (shared with the neighbour) hidden behind the bedroom wall. But we don't actually know, and that would massively impact the work and cost.  How can we find out if there's a chimney or not, without knocking off the wall? The builders who came round to give us a quote all told us completely contradictory things with absolute confidence.

We also don't know whether we need a party wall agreement, or just a notice, or anything? We've had some of the builders share our details with surveyors, who have then quoted us anywhere between £420 and £1600 for surveying and/or giving the notice.

TIA.

stuart45

Have you got any chimney stacks on the roof?

SpellboundIsle

stuart45 said:

Have you got any chimney stacks on the roof?

Yes, there is a shared chimney stack.

grumbler

Nothing visible in the loft?

FreeBear

SpellboundIsle said:

I want to remove a chimney breast (no fireplace) from the ground floor.

...

The builders who came round to give us a quote all told us completely contradictory things with absolute confidence. 

Semi detached property - There will be a chimney running from the ground floor all the way up through the roof. The chimney breast up stairs could be a projection of ~300mm, or perhaps more. If you have fitted bedroom furniture, the chimney breast may well be hidden inside a cupboard.

One thing to be aware of - Removing a chimney breast will require oversight of Building Control. They will want to see calculations from a structural engineer for supporting steelwork. If the builder is suggesting the use of a gallows bracket, it is highly unlikely Building Control will accept it.

Do the job properly, get the paperwork done and the job signed off by Building Control. If you don't, expect problems when you come to sell.