LAST UPDATED: July 11, 2026
Chimney Breast Removal in London
Structural Engineer ✔ RSJ Installation ✔ Building Control
✔ Everything Managed by One Team
Typical Chimney Breast Removal Costs
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Get My Free EstimateCan Your Chimney Breast Be Removed?
Every property is different. The safest way to remove a chimney breast depends on your home’s construction, whether the chimney stack remains, and the structural support required.
Most chimney breasts can be safely removed when the correct structural solution is designed and installed. ✔
Whether you’re removing a chimney breast from the ground floor, upper floor, or throughout the property, we assess the existing structure and specify the safest support before any work begins.
Every project is planned to comply with Building Regulations and, where required, includes structural calculations, RSJ steel beam or gallows bracket design, and Building Control approval.
✔ Create larger, more usable living spaces
✔ Safe structural support with RSJ beams or gallows brackets
✔ Fully compliant chimney breast removal with Building Regulations
Quick next step: If you have a photo, sketch, or plan (png, jpeg), jump straight to the AI estimate below and get an instant, practical breakdown.
CHIMNEY BREAST REMOVAL PROJECTS
Chimney Breast Removal Before & After Transformations
See how professional chimney breast removal transforms unused fireplaces into larger, modern living spaces while maintaining the structural integrity of your home.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Reclaim Valuable Floor Space
Before
A redundant chimney breast projected into the room, limiting furniture layout and reducing usable floor space around the fireplace.
After
The chimney breast was professionally removed, the remaining structure safely supported and the wall fully finished, creating a larger, cleaner room ready for decorating.
Project Type: Chimney Breast Removal
Property Type: Victorian Terraced House
Structural Support: Gallows Brackets
Chimney Stack: Retained & Fully Supported
Finish: Plastered Ready to Decorate
Estimated Timescale: 5 Days
Project Cost: £3500
Building Regulations: ✔ Compliant
💡 Every chimney breast removal project is unique. The structural solution, steel beam requirements and final cost depend on your property’s construction, chimney configuration and structural engineer’s calculations.
LONDON CHIMNEY BREAST REMOVAL SERVICES
What’s Included in Our Chimney Breast Removal Service
Removing a chimney breast isn’t simply demolition. It’s a carefully planned structural alteration carried out safely and in full compliance with Building Regulations.
CHIMNEY BREAST STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Do You Need Gallows Brackets or an RSJ Steel Beam?
Every chimney breast removal project is different. The correct structural support depends on your property’s age, construction, whether the chimney stack remains, and your local Building Control requirements.
At Growchance, our structural engineer will assess your property and specify the safest solution before any work begins.
What Are Gallows Brackets?
Gallows brackets are heavy-duty steel brackets fixed to a party wall to support the remaining chimney stack after the chimney breast below has been removed.
They can provide a cost-effective structural solution in suitable properties but are not appropriate for every home.
Our structural engineer will determine whether gallows brackets are suitable or whether an alternative support system is required.
When Are Gallows Brackets Suitable?
When Is an RSJ Steel Beam Required?
Gallows Brackets vs RSJ Steel Beam: Which Is Right for Your Property?
| Gallows Brackets | RSJ Steel Beam |
|---|---|
| ✔Suitable for selected properties | ✔Suitable for most structural situations |
| ✔Supports an existing chimney stack | ✔Provides independent structural support |
| ✔May not be accepted by every local authority | ✔Widely accepted when correctly designed |
| ✔Lower installation cost in some cases | ✔Greater structural flexibility |
| ✔Requires structural engineer approval | ✔Requires structural engineer approval |
CHIMNEY STACK REMOVAL
Thinking About Removing the Chimney Stack Too?
Many homeowners ask whether the chimney stack should also be removed when removing a chimney breast.
The answer depends on your property’s structure, planning considerations, neighbouring properties, and your long-term renovation plans.
Our team can advise whether a partial removal, full removal, or retaining the existing chimney stack is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Partial Chimney Stack Removal
Partial removal is often the preferred option where only the chimney breast is being removed internally.
This may involve:
🏠 Full Chimney Stack Removal
In some renovation projects, homeowners choose to remove both the chimney breast and the chimney stack. This can maximise internal space, reduce future maintenance, and improve the overall appearance of the property.
Benefits
- Reduce long-term maintenance
- Eliminate potential roof leaks
- Create additional loft space
- Improve the property’s appearance
Typically Required
- Scaffolding
- Roof repairs
- Structural calculations
- Building Control approval
- Professional weatherproofing of the roof
What About Party Wall Requirements?
If your chimney shares a wall with a neighbouring property, a Party Wall Agreement may be required before work begins.
We can explain the process during your site visit and advise when a Party Wall Surveyor should be involved.
Building Regulations
Most chimney breast and chimney stack removal projects require Building Regulations approval.
Our service includes:
customer satisfaction
Why Homeowners Trust Us With Structural Work
You’re right to be cautious—structural work isn’t the place for vague promises.
One team, one plan, one point of contact
Local property renovation services
Areas we cover in London
We carry out Chimney Breast Removal across London, with experience in Victorian and period properties that require careful structural assessment and Building Control approval.
We cover all boroughs, including:
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Central London (Westminster, Camden)
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South London (Croydon, Lambeth, Greenwich, Balham)
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East London (Hackney, Tower Hamlets)
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North London (Barnet, Islington)
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West London (Ealing, Hounslow, Kensington)
Real questions London homeowners ask before removing a Chimney Breast
FAQ
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Can I remove a chimney breast safely?
Yes—when the correct structural support is installed. In many homes, the chimney breast supports the chimney stack above, meaning it cannot simply be demolished without assessing how the remaining masonry will be supported. Depending on your property, this may involve an RSJ steel beam or, in some cases, engineered gallows brackets. Every project begins with a structural assessment to ensure the work is safe and compliant.
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Do I need a structural engineer to remove a chimney breast?
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How much does chimney breast removal cost in London?
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Do I need Building Control approval?
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Can the chimney stack stay after removing the chimney breast?
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What are gallows brackets?
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Is an RSJ steel beam better than gallows brackets?
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How long does chimney breast removal take?
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Do I need planning permission?
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Can I remove both the chimney breast and chimney stack?
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Will removing a chimney breast add value to my home?
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Why choose Growchance?
Prefer to Speak With Someone?
If you’d rather talk things through with a real person, you’re welcome to book an appointment and discuss your plans in detail.
We can look at your layout, explain what’s possible, and talk through costs and next steps without pressure.