Lianndi Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I live in terraced house built around...the 1940s methinks I want to remove the chimney breast from my bathroom. There is no chmney breast in the kitchen, [which is right below the bathroom]; and none exists in the attic. Will removal be simple - or are there support and other construction issues involved? Help! My inevitable goal is to redo the bathroom. I want it to be as inexpensive as possible so [with some already volunteered labour] want to do this on my own. Any recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest_225 Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 She said breast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lianndi Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 She said breast Well spotted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripitaka Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Speak to your neighbours first as it may be a shared chimney breast and although there might not be much on your side of the house, they may still use theirs. It is unlikely, but I would think you would need to check this out. Without seeing the actual structure, I doubt anyone can give you great advice about taking it down. Get a good builder to come round, someone registered here http://www.builders.org.uk/nfb/. They will be able to give you advice as to whether you need structural reinforcement or not and give you a quote. I suppose it is up to you whether you use them or just use their advice.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moyesyside Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Get Fred Dibnah in. Highly recommended, should be in yellow pages, does everything the old -fashioned way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I did something similar, if there is no chimney breast above the bathroom then you don't have to worry about supporting the weight. You might want to put a lintel across at the top, just to be on the safe side though. My chimney breast is still in place in the attic, so I had to put a well supported lintel in place to take the weight from above, although it seemed to be secure enough, staying in place for a day or two before I got the lintel in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaytsev Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I would recommend you seek the services of a structural engineer. Try Paul Colgrave at Colgrave Lee & Partners. 0114 2631919 or 07712761472. You will also need Building Regulations approval for this type of work from Sheffield City Council Buildings Control Department. If you want to do the work yourself please be aware of what you are taking on and good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medusa Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 If your house is anything like mine (and I think it is), then it was actually built between 1900 and 1905, and the reason you can't see the chimney breast further up is because it's pretty well hidden behind the walls in the attic. I wouldn't assume that there isn't one, because if you take out the bathroom layer and don't support above, then there is a risk not just to your chimney and roof, but to your neighbour's too. I took mine out 14 years ago, and I got advice and information from the council planning department, who came out to check that it was done correctly and signed the job off so I can show anyone buying the house in the future that it wasn't 'bodge it and scarpered'. Their advice and approval only cost me about £30 and was well worth it (of course it could have changed by now in both advice and cost). The actual work just involved a lump hammer, lots of mess and an angle iron plate to support the chimney breast in the attic. The major problem was in getting the rubble and muck down the stairs without wrecking the rest of the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaytsev Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Spot on advice Medusa. Although it's the Buildings Control department not the Planning department who check the work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lianndi Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 Thanks. Your info has been invaluable. I will make the necessary enquiries....and let you all know whats up. TA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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