Removing internal wall with two fireplaces and chimney breast

Takca

Hi,
I'm currently looking into an old bungalow that has a two rooms I'd possibly
want to join into one by removing a wall, the wall is about 3m long and contains
a fireplace on both sides. I don't have many details as I've yet to see the property
properly but in general I'm wondering if its possible to remove a wall and chimneys
to make one big room. Would the external chimney need to be removed from the roof?
I'm assuming it would be a pretty big job I don't know how big, I would be getting
an engineers opinion if I go ahead with it but for now I'm just wondering if there is
any pitfalls I should be aware of before going down a path that might finish in a
dead end.

thanks

Gumbo

Yes possible.
Safe exposure of the fabric of the wall.
Engineer check to determine if structural.
Safe removal and propping.
Steel design and inspection by engineer before closing.

But yes, possible.

Takca

Gumbo wrote: »

Yes possible.
Safe exposure of the fabric of the wall.
Engineer check to determine if structural.
Safe removal and propping.
Steel design and inspection by engineer before closing.

But yes, possible.

thanks, this confirms its at least not a completely crazy idea
which is what I was mostly worried about :-)

monseiur

Seeing that's it's a bungalow it's not a huge job. Obviously you'll have to start at the top and work in reverse order to building one.
You will have to remove part of the ceiling and a joist or three nearest the chimney in one of the rooms and a joist in the other room. If it's block built it should be easy to demolish.
Once the outside top is off start from the inside with your kango. Cover floor with thick ply under void in ceiling and drop rubble down as you work. Exercise strict health & safety measures here. If weather allows do not close off the opening in roof until demolition is complete - it will allow dust etc. to escape.
If any part of the chimney stack is load bearing i.e. roof purlins etc. ensure that a permanent load bearing structure is in place prior to demo. Acrow props can be used temporarily for this purpose.

Takca

monseiur wrote: »

Seeing that's it's a bungalow it's not a huge job. Obviously you'll have to start at the top and work in reverse order to building one.
You will have to remove part of the ceiling and a joist or three nearest the chimney in one of the rooms and a joist in the other room. If it's block built it should be easy to demolish.
Once the outside top is off start from the inside with your kango. Cover floor with thick ply under void in ceiling and drop rubble down as you work. Exercise strict health & safety measures here. If weather allows do not close off the opening in roof until demolition is complete - it will allow dust etc. to escape.
If any part of the chimney stack is load bearing i.e. roof purlins etc. ensure that a permanent load bearing structure is in place prior to demo. Acrow props can be used temporarily for this purpose.

Thanks for this, I wouldn't be intending on doing the job myself but this will give me an idea
of what to look out for when getting the job quoted.