Removing chimney breast

[lboogy]

I'm thinking about removing the chimney breasts in our upstairs and downstairs rooms to free up space. 4 in total. Does it affect resale value?

I wouldnt have thought so? Removal does create space and it's a job a buyer wont have to factor in should they wish to do.

I have two, one I want to remove and one I'm keeping for the log burner that's being installed this week.

I've done this and it did create better space in both rooms. I doubt it would affect resale but do be prepared for a horrible sooty mess.

are you attached that side because you will need a party wall agreement & you will need correct structural support if you don't remove chimney

Thanks everyone. I personally don't mind losing them in bedrooms to make way for wardrobes.
Downstairs is what I'm not sure about. I do find living rooms without them a little bland .

I'm only thinking at this stage and not doing. It's a detached house so no party wall agreements to worry about

They are often integral to building structure so make sure you get correct builder to do it properly etc. Sorry that wasn't your question though.

Check whether you need building regulations as you will potentially need steels inserting

Assuming you are leaving the actual chimney stack on the roof, make sure that is fully supported below it.

This is a big structural job. the chimneys are big & heavy & hold up a big heavy chimney stack on the roof. so you have to make sure that you have the right structural support in place.

And it can definitely make a living room bland & lacking in focus if there is no chimney.

Thanks again everyone. I'll definitely do it properly . Can't afford not to!

I think taking them out of upstairs rooms is fine but people do like a fireplace, what else do you point your furniture at? It looks really odd to me with no chimney. My brother and SIL are selling a house with no chimney breast and at the top of her list for her new house is a fireplace.

@GameSetMatch

I think taking them out of upstairs rooms is fine but people do like a fireplace, what else do you point your furniture at? It looks really odd to me with no chimney. My brother and SIL are selling a house with no chimney breast and at the top of her list for her new house is a fireplace.

I agree with this. I think a fireplace makes the home, it’s the first thing we did in our current house.