Removal of Chimney Breast what do you need to do?
If you are planning to remove a chimney breast from a party wall in your property, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and potential risks involved in such a project. This is where Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyors comes in – as experts in party wall surveying, we can guide you through the relevant legal procedures and ensure that the work is carried out safely and without causing unnecessary damage to your property or your neighbour’s.
Update your neighbour on removal of chimney breast work
Before delving into the specifics of how we can help, we need to clarify what a party wall is and why it matters in the context of chimney removal.
A party wall is a shared wall that separates two properties – it can be a wall that forms the boundary between two semi-detached houses, or a wall that sits on the boundary between two flats in a block of apartments. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if you are planning to carry out work that affects a party wall, you must inform and obtain consent from your neighbour at least two months prior to beginning the work.
Removing a chimney breast that sits on a party wall is a common example of work that can affect the shared structure, and as such, requires a party wall agreement to be in place beforehand.
Services Offered by Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyors
At Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyors, we offer a range of services to ensure that your chimney removal project runs smoothly and complies with the relevant laws and regulations. Below are some of the key services we can provide:
Party Wall Agreements
As mentioned earlier, if you are planning to remove a chimney breast that sits on a party wall, you will need to obtain a party wall agreement from your neighbour(s) prior to commencement of work. Our surveyors can assist you in serving party wall notices, assessing the situation, drafting the agreement, and helping to resolve any disputes that may arise.
Pre-Construction Surveys
Before starting the chimney removal, it is worthwhile to carry out a pre-construction survey of both your property and your neighbour’s, to establish a baseline record of any existing damage or defects. This can help to prevent any disputes that may arise later on regarding post-construction damage caused by the works. We can carry out these surveys for you and provide detailed reports of the findings.
Construction Monitoring
While the works are ongoing, it is important to ensure that they are being carried out safely and without causing any unnecessary damage to the party wall or other parts of the property. Our surveyors can provide regular monitoring of the construction works, and will produce interim reports to keep you and your neighbor(s) up to date with progress.
Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises during or after the chimney removal works, our expert surveyors are able to provide mediation and resolution services. We can assist you in resolving disputes by providing expert advice, negotiating between parties, and if necessary, producing reports that can be used in any legal proceedings.
Contact Jason Edworthy Surveyors Today
Removing a chimney breast from a party wall can be a daunting task, but with the assistance of Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyors, it doesn’t have to be. From serving party wall notices and drafting agreements, to carrying out pre-construction surveys and providing construction monitoring and dispute resolution services, we have the experience and expertise to ensure that the project runs smoothly and within the bounds of the law.
For more information on how we can help, please contact us today.