Partial chimney breast removal

[kwackerman]

Hi all,

I have an old readers digest diy book which shows a picture of a chimney breast that has had the front wall removed leaving just the sides which has had shelves fitted between to create a bookcase storage area.
Is this an easy job to do as it would create so much extra room in my kids bedrooms.
My house is a 1920s terraced house, the chimney is not in use and is capped off. It does ajoin with my next door neighbour. What kind of support would be needed at ceiling level. Just a small rsj between the sides at ceiling height?
Any help and advice would be great.
Regards
Andy

 

[noseall]

if it is such that you are leaving the sides intact, i.e. 225mm of masonry up each side, then a p.c.c. builders lintel will suffice.

it is not a huge job but will be messy.

include a vent to continue the flue ventilation.

you may also need to form an effective barrier/seal over the exposed sooted brickwork. either batten out and plasterboard over, or if space is a premium, remove as much soot as possible and use an s.b.r. slurry coat and render.

 

[kwackerman]

Thanks for the info noseall. Much obliged

Andy