Hi, Getting near to the completion of our extension which has had some problems/delays that I think are to be expected but I have found what I think is potentially a bigger problme and need some neutral input please.
Our builder has installed a 9" concrete flue liner into our new chimney. He has built is using three new walls but the back wall is basically the internal wall of the house. Problem is when he got to the wall plate (which is timber) he carried on using this as the back of the fire.
On top of this the floor joists and roof joists are basically touching the outer side of the surrounding brickwork. Having become an expert on building regs I know this is wrong.
I have challenged him on it and he said he is going to now put a flexible stainless steel liner down it so we can connect up to a log burner and that in his opinion this is fine.
Architect by the way specified a double walled flue liner which I have since found out only needs to be 50mm from wood so would have been fine.
I have had two people out from fireplace installation business. One said he'd speak to the Building Officer to get there advice as he thinks it might be OK. The other has said he would put a fleixble liner down it and backfill and he thinks this is fine, not to worry about building regs!
These companies are both HETAS registered, they incidentally told me it was no good when I asked for there advice although another one of their accredited installers told me he thought it was OK.
As you can see lots of conflicting advice, builder doesn't want to do anything as obviously i'll cost him more to sort out and the supposed experts give totally opposing advice.
I am torn between going for the easy option and paying for the HETAS engineer to install and therefore sign off and getting the building officer out to advice me. I don't want to do anything that may be a risk to my house.
Help, some sane advice needed please :)
Sorry to waffle somewhat!