Chimney breast removal

[EmilyMay89]

Just had some builders come over to our house as they're doing work in the neighbours property. We're mid terrace Victorian property.

They want to remove the chimney breast from one of the rooms. There isn't a chimney stack anymore that has been removed.

Should I be requesting a party wall agreement?

I've heard about them but not sure if relevant. We're mid sale on our property and I really don't want something going wrong!

Absolutely yes. And I would get in the quickly with your informal request to your neighbour before they start work ("Oh, but we didn't realise we needed one!")
You need to protect the interests of both sides of the party wall. Especially relevant if you are selling. They are naive to go ahead without one.

@Voulez23 I asked him when he was here and he fobbed me off saying it wasn't necessary. I think I'll have to go back over later on and insist that I at least speak to the property owner before the work starts so I can explain my concerns! Thank you!

Yes you do want one. This explains what should happen.

I have read elsewhere that is also a good idea to ask for copies of the builders insurance incase things do go wrong. I don’t think it can hurt and would make people realise that you are looking after your own interests property and won’t be fobbed off though !

https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works

@Alphabet1spaghetti2 that's a really helpful link thank you.

Tried to go over but they've obviously left. Stuck a note on the foot saying they need to speak to us (hallway floor is covered in wallpaper!)

Whilst you are waiting for them to contact you - take some good pictures of your walls. Just incase they do decide to ignore the rules and go ahead anyway. Our neighbour did just that and went straight through our party wall. Then refused to admit what they had done or pay up. Insurance nightmare and suffice to say we are not ‘neighbourly’ anymore.

edit to add. And document everything including that you left a note. Take a picture of it! Make sure all communication has a trail eg email or copied and sent recorded post, or just record the conversation.

It might well be structural.

Take lots of photos.

Take proper advice.

Also whatever you do get full paperwork for the structural work being done properly.

My DD is buying a house with a removed breast and they can't see issues but it can't be easily investigated so it came up as a 3 on the survey (needing urgent remedy or urgent further investigation) and no one has any paperwork!

I would say it depends. Where is the chimney, on the party wall? It might not be.

I've taken pictures of the wall and the letter on the door. My partner is at home today so hopefully he can chat with them.

@QuickDraining I'm not sure I follow the question sorry. We share a wall and both have a chimney breast on the shared wall.

Our house sale has really dragged, we're a couple of weeks off exchanging (hopefully) really could do without this!

I was just wanting confirmation of where the chimney was/is. As in our house we have one shared and one standalone.

@QuickDraining I get you, sorry!! We both have a chimney breast on the joint wall