Would knocking out my chimney breast lose property value?
Question:The dividing wall between my living room and the kitchen has a chimney breast both in the living room and the kitchen. could anyone tell me if i would lose or gain value to the property value by knocking this out and replacing in with french doors. also is this a big job and very costly? Thanks for any sensible answers.
Answers:
Very expensive to put steel in to suport rest of c/stack,Better way but still expensive is to have all c/stack removed from the top down.you will have mess in every room.plaster to repair , floors to repair.but its a job worth doing and it will add value to house.As for advice from TA-DAH survayor will not check the work.no way.He will say part of c/stack has been removed and you will have to pay a structual engenier to prove that its been done corectly and is safe.with no c/stack no problem.as i all ways say you must speak to a pro. 2 men 2 days £400. 1 rubish skip £150. 1 plasterer 2 days £200. 1 man repair floors skirting ect,2 days £200.Say top side £1200. max.you can double that and more for steel.good luck.
if you have Central heating then i don't see a problem, it would make the living space bigger. i would make sure you get fully qualified builders in to do the job, it is not easy. they would have to take the whole stack down or use some hefty RSJ's.
would be very expensive As chimney breast continues through roof some extra support would have to be inserted to take weight of chimney above ceiling (ie rsj)
you would need to cost first but would make both rooms bigger and more accessible
if you are making better use of the space you wont be losing value - as long as the work is carried out professionally, and the supporting walls are reinforced you will probably find that the work will add value, most buyers like big open spaces with natural light, although period features are a bonus to a period property, if you dont use the fire,a nd have C/H go for it.
the work carried out would be expensive as the chimney would need to be reinforced all the way through the house up to the chimney top. when it comes to selling your surveyor will check if this has been done correctly, if not this could reflect badly on the report and you could lose out.
get a couple of quotes from reliable local builders and also speak to an estate agent or two as they can assess your homes layout and advise you
Always bear in mind that the weight of the chimney and all the associated brickwork is being supported by the chimney breast. Give it a lot of thought before attempting.anything.
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