Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor if I’m Removing a Chimney Breast?

Looking to remove a chimney breast to open up more space in your living room or bedroom? It’s a common way to make older homes feel bigger and brighter.

But here’s the big question:

👉 Do I need a Party Wall Surveyor if I’m removing a chimney breast?

The short answer? Yes—if the chimney breast is attached to a shared (party) wall.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

✅ When you do (and don’t) need a Party Wall Surveyor
✅ The legal risks of skipping the process
✅ How to avoid disputes with your neighbours
✅ How much it’ll cost and how to keep costs down

When Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor to Remove a Chimney Breast?

If your chimney breast is on a shared wall (like in terraced or semi-detached homes), then the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies, and you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice before starting any work.

Here’s when you’ll definitely need a Party Wall Surveyor:

🔹 Removing a chimney breast from a shared wall – This impacts the structural integrity of the party wall.
🔹 Removing a chimney that spans multiple floors – Like ground and first floors.
🔹 Altering or cutting into the party wall – To insert steel beams or gallows brackets for support.

💡 Detached house? You’re in the clear—you likely don’t need a Party Wall Agreement unless your chimney breast affects a boundary structure.

👉 Need advice? Check out our Fixed Fee Party Wall Service.

Why Does the Party Wall Act Apply to Chimney Breast Removal?

Chimney breasts are often built into shared party walls, so removing one can:

🚨 Weaken the structural integrity of the wall
🚨 Cause damage to your neighbour’s property if not properly supported
🚨 Create safety risks if the remaining chimney stack isn’t secured

That’s why the Party Wall Act requires you to serve notice to your neighbour and get a Party Wall Agreement in place before starting any work.

What’s a Party Wall Notice for Chimney Breast Removal?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal document that lets your neighbour know about your plans to remove the chimney breast.

Here’s how it works:

📌 Serve notice 2 months before work starts.
📌 Your neighbour has 14 days to respond.
📌 If they ignore it, send a final notice (giving them another 10 days).
📌 If they object or don’t reply, you’ll need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to draft a Party Wall Award.

💡 Pro Tip: Speak to your neighbour before serving notice—it makes the process smoother.

What Happens If My Neighbour Objects?

If your neighbour says “no” or doesn’t respond, you’ll need to:

1️⃣ Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor – Your neighbour can appoint their own or agree to use the same surveyor (cheaper for you!).
2️⃣ The surveyor(s) draft a Party Wall Award – This legally binding document outlines how the work will be done safely.
3️⃣ Once the Award is issued, work can legally begin.

💡 Want to save on surveyor fees? Get your neighbour to agree to an Agreed Surveyor.

👉 See our Fixed Fee Party Wall options here.

What’s in a Party Wall Award for Chimney Removal?

A Party Wall Award covers all the legal and safety requirements to ensure your chimney removal doesn’t damage your neighbour’s property. It includes:

✔ Detailed plans of the work – Showing how the chimney will be removed and how the structure will be supported.
✔ Precautionary measures – To prevent damage to your neighbour’s home.
✔ Schedule of Condition – A detailed “before” report of your neighbour’s property to avoid false damage claims later.
✔ Timelines and working hours – To minimize disruption.

What Happens If You Skip the Party Wall Process?

Skipping the Party Wall process can lead to serious legal and financial problems:

🚨 Neighbour can stop your work – They can file for an injunction to halt the project.
💰 You’ll be liable for any damage – Even if it’s accidental.
⏰ Project delays and legal costs – Disputes can drag on and cost thousands.

💡 Tip: It’s easier (and cheaper) to get the Party Wall Agreement sorted upfront.

👉 We can handle it—get in touch today.

How Much Does a Party Wall Agreement for Chimney Breast Removal Cost?

💡 Want to keep costs down? Opt for a fixed-fee service and get your neighbour to agree to an Agreed Surveyor.

👉 Check out our fixed-fee pricing.

What Are the Structural Risks of Removing a Chimney Breast?

Chimney breasts support tonnes of masonry above them. Remove one incorrectly, and you could face:

🚨 Collapsed walls
🚨 Damage to your neighbour’s home
🚨 Serious safety hazards

💡 Solution? A structural engineer will need to design proper supports—usually steel beams—to carry the load left by the missing chimney.

Do I Need Building Regulations Approval Too?

Yes! Removing a chimney breast is structural work, so you’ll need Building Control approval in addition to the Party Wall Agreement.

You’ll need to:

✅ Submit plans to Building Control.
✅ Have a structural engineer design any necessary supports.
✅ Get a completion certificate once the work is done.

💡 Pro Tip: Building Control can also check that the remaining chimney stack (if left) is properly supported.

How to Keep Party Wall Costs Down

✅ Talk to your neighbour early – It’s easier to get them on board upfront.
✅ Use an Agreed Surveyor – One surveyor for both parties saves money.
✅ Opt for a fixed-fee service – No hidden costs or surprises.

👉 See our fixed-fee Party Wall services here.

Final Thoughts

Removing a chimney breast can give you extra space and a modern look—but if the chimney is on a shared wall, you’ll need to follow the Party Wall Act.

✔ Serve a Party Wall Notice early
✔ Get a proper Party Wall Agreement in place
✔ Use a trusted Party Wall Surveyor to keep things running smoothly

🚀 Ready to get started?

👉 Contact Fixed Price Party Wall today—we’ll sort your Party Wall Agreement quickly and at a fixed price!