Removing a chimney breast is often a choice homeowners make when they want to create more space in their home.  If you are considering removing your chimney breast, it’s important to know there are regulations to consider during the renovation process.
 
If you are planning to remove an internal chimney breast at ground and/or first floor you most likely don’t need to remove the external stack. This means that you won’t have to alter the roof or external appearance of your property, which is good if you’re on a tighter budget. However, as you will only be removing parks of the chimney breast, this will need to be supported. This is when you will need the expertise of a structural engineer. They will come to assess your property an calculate the type of steel beam that you will need to keep your building structurally sound, once the chimney breast has been removed.
 
If the chimney and the stack are all fully removed, including above roof level, there should be no need for extra structural supports, which your structural engineer can confirm.
 
How much does it cost to remove a chimney breast?
The cost of removing the chimney breast varies, and is this part of a larger project or not? It is recommended you budget at least £5,000.
 
Other factors you might need to consider when removing a chimney breast – depending on the rest of your build project include:
Planning Permission to Remove a Chimney Breast
Building Regulations for Removing a Chimney Breast
Party Wall Act (England and Wales)
Gas work
 
If you are looking for a professional structural engineer to help you with a chimney breast removal project, give us a call today on 01277 554 147 or complete the form on our contact page.

​If you are planning to build an extension, you will likely need to request planning permission. If so, your neighbours will be notified by post. Councils usually provide a public consultation period of 21 days from the date of the notice for people to give feedback or challenge the application. It’s not unusual for a neighbour to take issue with a home extension and attempt to stop you from shaping your home the way you’d like. So in short, yes your neighbour can block extension plans?

Structural engineers and architects design building projects, create a budget plan and blueprints for a construction crew to follow. They both aim for the same thing – to have a well-structured design.
 
Architects and structural engineers constantly collaborate on construction projects, even though their roles are different. When working together, structural engineers evaluate factors like strength and endurance, but architects are more concerned with the design aesthetics and beauty of a building. Learn more about each of these professions and how they compare.

Modern buildings are created with a variety of construction materials. Some common types include wood, steel and concrete. Whether you want to build something that will last for decades or need an office building built quickly, these different options can meet your needs.

​The building design is not just about the aesthetics of a building. The structure must be able to support itself and resist loads that are put on it. Many people do not know the difference between live, dead, and permanent loads. This article will break down what each load is to understand how to build your next project.

​Structural engineers are primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed, as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. The job is very closely related to that of civil engineer.

Are you about to embark on the first extension project for your home? If so, you understand the importance of engaging the services of many different experts. You have probably found an architect to draw the plan and builders to carry out the work. There is also a good chance that you approached an interior designer to define the aesthetics for the additional space.  Amid all the rush of planning the project, have you talked to a structural engineer? Do you even need to? The short answer is yes, but before we discuss why, let us take a quick look at what a structural engineer can do for you. 

Dealing with a home renovation or office space reconstruction can be a draining process. It can often involve the need for various professionals to undertake different aspects of the job and deciding on which company to hire can be a nightmare. The internet offers a wide range of companies offering the same services and trying to decipher which ones are the right ones for your job can be stressful.

Even basic levels of construction can involve analyzing certain structural damage possibilities. Contractors and inspectors may help determine what they are, but structural engineers can dive deeper into the factors and severity of the obstacle. If you need to execute various structural analyses and engineering designs, it is best to hire a structural engineer. 

If you've been told that you need a structural engineer before you move forward with a home renovation or adding space to your office, you may wonder ‘why do I need a structural engineer?’ There are quite a few good reasons you should hire a structural engineer before any construction project. It may all seem a bit too confusing when you think about it, but really, it's not that hard to understand. Like any job, there is a certain amount of education and experience that is required to be a structural engineer. Let's take a closer look.

Structural engineers ensure every design satisfies the required design criteria; depending on safety (strong structures that will not collapse without any warning) and performance (the building sway should never make the occupants uncomfortable).