Removing a Chimney in the Attic Area
Removing a Chimney Breast for Attic Transformation: Unlocking Space
Exploring the potential of your disused loft involves strategic decisions regarding chimney breast removal. Whether opting for Permitted Development (PD) or navigating the planning route, understanding the shape and style needed for internal living space is crucial. This guide delves into the considerations, pros, and cons, providing insights into maximising loft size. Beware of variations in policies between boroughs, as each area’s Specific Planning Document (SPD) policies can add complexity to the process.
Unlocking Space: Demystifying Chimney Breast Removal in Loft Conversions
In certain scenarios, the removal of an entire chimney breast becomes a necessity to facilitate a feasible Loft Conversion for a specific property. Some property owners opt for this to enhance internal space. Regardless of the motive, it’s undeniable that such endeavors entail significant disruption. Inescapably dirty, potentially hazardous, and involving substantial disposal costs, chimney breast removal demands meticulous planning and execution.
Always anticipating these challenges, strategic planning, engaging seasoned builders, and meticulous site preparation contribute to a smoother project execution with minimal disruption. Our team at Kun Arch has compiled an insightful article elucidating the intricacies and processes involved in removing a typical chimney breast connected to a shared party wall.
Loft Floor Reinforcement
A structural engineer from Kun Arch designs additional steel beams within the loft floor framework to bolster the support for the brickwork above. Following this reinforcement, removal of the chimney breasts below becomes feasible, paving the way for remedial work to seamlessly restore and enhance the affected rooms. This prevalent approach is frequently adopted by homeowners modifying their residences, acknowledging that chimneys, once integral for heating, now occupy substantial room space, a less practical feature with the prevalence of central heating in contemporary homes.
Chimney Stack Support in Loft Conversion
In loft conversions featuring a rear dormer, the potential removal of a section of the chimney within the loft space is considered. Transitioning from the typical timber frame, this scenario introduces an alteration to include additional steelwork. A steel frame, as illustrated below, is incorporated to provide elevated support for the chimney stack within the loft area. This adjustment ensures structural integrity while accommodating the dormer construction.
Complete Removal of Chimney Stack
The third alternative involves the complete dismantling of the chimney stack, starting from the top and subsequently repairing the roof area it previously occupied. In cases where the chimney stack is shared with a neighboring property, its removal impacts both homes. Permission from the neighbor is imperative for such extensive removal, and if agreed upon, costs associated with the work on both properties would typically be the responsibility of the party initiating the removal. This option is viable when both parties share a common interest, such as simultaneous renovation plans or resolving issues like water ingress around an unused chimney.
In Conclusion:
Considerations When Removing a Chimney Breast
Regardless of the chosen approach for chimney breast removal, it’s crucial to bear in mind that associated expenses may surpass initial estimates. The comprehensive cost involves more than just demolition and extends to various essential elements:
- Supply and fitting of additional steelwork for chimney removal.
- Provision of temporary supports during demolition.
- Resiting affected services like electrical sockets and pipes.
- Implementation of temporary surface protection measures.
- Labor costs for the demolition work carried out by builders.
- Expenses related to waste disposal, skips, and rubble bags.
- Installation of new hearths incurs additional costs.
- Re-plastering by skilled plasterers.
- Fitting new skirtings, covings, and related elements.
- Redecoration around the involved components.
- Expenses for new carpets or floor coverings.
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