Removing fireplace

[DrinkingInTheNightGarden]

We are thinking of removing our fireplace but keeping the chimney breast (will ventilate) as this will be cheaper and we can bring it back in the future if we wish.

Has anyone does this and can share pictures? We'd like to put furniture against the chimney breast as this works better with the weird layout of out the room (again being mindful of the ventilation)

Removing it makes a mess so you'll need to finish it with some plastering. It's relatively simple to do, just chip out the surround and lift off and I'm sure you'll work out how to cover the front with vent; then make good.

As a matter of interest though - cheaper than what??

@Loofah01
Thank you! I’m not worried about the actual work as we’re mid renovation at the moment anyway.

Cheaper to keep the breast than remove it and deal with all the structural work that goes with it 😱

It may be cheaper to leave the chimney, but you'd be surprised how much extra space removing them gives. I did this in my house and it was impressive. If you're in the middle of works anyway, maybe consider it.

@paap1975 definitely something to think about then! Thank you!

Absolutely cheaper to retain the chimney breast, and I agree the space gained by removal can be substantial.

However, complete removal is a nightmare. Lots and lots of mess, expensive, and will need to be completed in a structurally safe way with documentation ( Invoice detailing the work and possibly LABC sign off). If not the the sale of your property in future could be problematic.