Chimney & Fireplace

Shared Chimney stack, breast removed decades ago, unsure of any support - Help!

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.01 PM

I would like advice upon how to proceed regarding a shared (unused) chimney that has already had the breast removed in the room beneath. The house belongs to an elderly family member whose late husband dealt with this over 40 years earlier. She is unsure of what if any support is in place and now the chimney is leaking and needs repair. To add to the issue, this part of the loft seems in-accessible, so no-one can see the remaining part of the chimney. There is a significant chance there is no support, apart from next door, but I am eager to rectify this but want to do this to current regulations without directly troubling the current neighbour. (simply removing the chimney doesn't seem to be an option). I am a little frustrated about not knowing the best way to proceed and the dis-interest shown by local builders in wanting to deal with the issue. One of more communicative ones indicated that it was awkward job, not as profitable to tackle as opposed to the ample extension work in the surrounding area. I don't think having the house occupied by the elderly person helped matters. I have worked out that an opening would be needed in the room below to examine the area. The someone would need plan supports acceptable to local building control. Then someone would need to action this as well as sorting the other issues on the chimney. Either of these people (or both) would then need to be sure Building Control Inspects and is happy so we get a certificate to approve the work. My hope was to find someone (a builder) to do this for us, but I have failed to get anyone to take interest. How should I approach this to actually find someone competent in the Manchester area to take this on? Am I being unrealistic in hoping to find someone to deal with all the steps or must I break them up? Would convincing my relative to make an opening in the ceiling below first and getting a structural engineer to examine fully and work out the supports needed separately really increase the chance of someone willing to action the work? I would like to avoid doing it this way for many reasons but I am running out of options and just want this sorted in the coming months, so more beneficial works for the relative can be begun. Apologies for the detail, but it has been a little frustrating. I would be grateful for any useful advice. Thank-You.