Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Q&A: Structural issues with chimney breasts

Friday, 28 October 2011 10:12 AM

Q: "I recently moved into a house where the chimney breast in the kitchen has been removed, and as a result the chimney breast in the spare room upstairs does not seem to be supported. This was pointed out during the survey but, as it has been in this state for about 20 years, our view is that maybe we should just leave it. The house was built in 1907 and our next-door neighbour's chimney has also been removed downstairs. Should we arrange to have the chimney stack removed completely or is it safe enough to leave it as it is (bearing in mind that we will eventually use the bedroom as a nursery)?"
Kirill, Bristol

A: "You may be able to leave the chimney as it is, but you will first need to establish that it has been sufficiently supported. You should first check the full details of your original survey, and it may be necessary to go back to the original surveyor who carried out the survey. The main point is that the load transferred down is supported - you will need to expose the floor to check this is the case. If in any doubt, ask an expert, either the original surveyor or go to RicsFirms.com to find a RICS surveyor in your area."

Alan CrippsAnswered by Alan Cripps, RICS' associate director of the built environment. For more information about RICS, visit their website.

Want to be the first to know when we break a story? Follow @AboutProperty on Twitter.
 

Related stories

Mallorca is still a UK favourite

Mallorca is top spot for Spanish property

The Spanish island remains Brits' favourite choice for a property abroad.

 Property surveyors

Buyers risk £1.3bn by not surveying new homes

A huge proportion of house-movers fail to have their new property surveyed, which could pose serious long-term financial risk.
Listed building

Listed Property Show: Care for your historic home

If you own - or are considering buying - a listed property, this event will prove an invaluable source of information.

 cup of tea

Q&A: Should I take my property off the market?

We all know that to sell a home you need neutral decor and no clutter - but what if you're doing that but there's still no interest?
White picket fence

Q&A: Resolving a boundary dispute with a neighbour

A reader asks how they can find out where their garden ends and their neighbour's begins.

 Paintbrush resting on can

Q&A: How do I remove emulsion paint from carpet?

A cleaning expert advises this week’s reader on how to rectify his home decorating mishap.
RICS are warning that the effect of snow is often not seen until it melts. Image:Liquid Library

Look out for winter weather damage

Owners warned to check their property inside and out in case of more freezing weather.

Bedroom with bestbedlinenintheworld products

Q&A: What's the best way to wash summer bedding?

This week's reader is wondering whether she should use fabric conditioner on her bed linen, and what the best options are for summer.
Decorating

Q&A: Paint for condensation-prone walls

An industry expert advises this week's reader on the best paint to use in steamy, damp rooms.

 Cracks in ceiling beams are generally nothing to worry about

Q&A: Are cracked beams a concern?

This week's reader has spotted cracks in the beams of his cottage. Our expert advises whether there's any cause for concern.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

What insurance products are there for shop owners?

With all the potential threats that exist to retailers, it is important to explore the various insurance policies designed to protect you. These include public liability, employers' liability, building cover and business interruptions cover.

Where are the best areas for renting in London?

London is a city that caters for everyone from the fabulously wealthy to students. Whatever you want in a property, you will find somewhere suitable in the capital. Employing the services of a letting agency will help you find somewhere suitable.

Why towel radiators are an important bathroom addition

If you've recently redecorated your bathroom, you could find that towel radiators offer the ideal finishing touch. These practical products also come in a range of different designs, meaning you are sure to find something perfect for the space you have available.