Don't need false chimney - have real chimney

[splatz]

I have seen loads of false chimney builds here which look fantastic.

The house I recently moved into has a real chinmney breast that has been sealed up which is quite wide and I would like to open it out to house a couple of shelves for all the AV equipment and centre speaker. Shelves will be wide enough for two AV items per shelf to limit the height required for Virgin Media+ box, Bruray, HTPC and AV amp - chimey breast is wide enough for this with plenty of width to spare.

I will be looking for a builder to do most of the hard work but want to understand what things I might need to be aware of on a job like this e.g. new lintel etc.

[Miller]

If you intend to do anymore than just removing facia that has blocked in the chimney then make sure you seek the advice of a good builder who comes on recommendation. You might even need the advice of a structural engineer, depending on want you intend to do and the type of construction of the chimney/age of house.

Altering your chimney, which sometime plays an integral part of the structure of the house, can have a catastrophic effect.

You of course may already know this.

[Sofa-loafer]

G'day Splatz, I did an experimental build when refurbishing a house around two years ago that entailed whacking down an existing chimney breast. Have a look at my sig below to see if its any use to you...

Reagrds,

SL...

[splatz]

SL - that is a very interesting experiment!

I will be looking to pay a builder who knows what they are doing for this type of project - it is way beyong my DIY abilities . I just want to get my head around the sort of work that is required before I start getting quotes in. Your build certainly tells me the sort of things I can expect to encounter.

My chimney breast is in the centre of the property so I will be expecting the builder to check things like building regs and to see if it is load bearing.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I will be taking pictures to document the project and will share here when it is complete.

Originally Posted by Sofa-loafer

G'day Splatz, I did an experimental build when refurbishing a house around two years ago that entailed whacking down an existing chimney breast. Have a look at my sig below to see if its any use to you...

Reagrds,

SL...