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Architecture/Removel of chimney breast

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Expert: - 5/6/2007


Question
I am thinking of buying a house and the only thing that is putting me off is there is a huge chimney breast in the middle of the living room - Is it possible to remove this?

Answer
Good morning Danny - thanks for your question!

I assume you're talking about masonry construction, and yes, it can be removed.  The chimney above would of course have to be removed first, working your way down through the attic and finally the fireplace itself.

If the fireplace and chimney are important parts of the architecture of the house, you may want to consider other options and maintain the integrity (and likely much of the value) of the house.

Removing a brick chimney/fireplace constuction will also be a messy, expensive project that will require patching the roof, floors, ceilings, and possibly some structural modification, depending upon whether structural members bear on the fireplace construction.

You should have a local design professional check this out for you before you finalize your decision.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
www.rtahouseplans.com
www.dontbuyahouseplan.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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