Chimney breast removal

[321purple]

We'd like to have the chimney breast removed from our bedroom as it doesn't give the room any character and is just a waste of space as we need the room for another wardrobe.

If we have that removed, does the rest of the chimney in the loft and in the roof have to come down too or can the ceiling be reinforced?

Roughly how much would it cost and how long would it take?

Also I have a (possibly crazy) idea of turning the chimney breast in the living room into a cupboard, by having the front bricks removed, leaving the sides and having doors and shelves put in. Do you think that's possible?

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

You can have gallow brackets to hold the chimney stack above, and easily turn the downstairs breast into a cupboard. As for how long it depends on who is doing it, and how much you are going to spend!
If its to a neighbouring property please look up the party wall act and consult building control (council) or get your builder to!

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

As you are in London...diy could cost a few hundred pound and take around a week if you are organised to install the brackets, remove breast, board, plaster, paint ing it in a few weeks. For a builder, probably the same time but add a few zero's on the end!

 

[tony1851]

Many building control departments will not accept gallows brackets, so check first.