Chimney breasts eat useful floor area in rooms that no longer have a fire. Removing one is routine work, but it is also one of the most commonly botched jobs in domestic building because the masonry left above still needs carrying.
Supporting what stays
Removing a breast at ground or first floor leaves the stack above needing support, whether by designed steel or another engineered solution. Unsupported remnants are a genuine hazard.
Party wall considerations
On terraced and semi-detached properties the breast frequently sits on a shared wall, which brings party wall procedure into play.
Capping and ventilation
A retained stack needs weathering and capping, and disused flues need ventilating to prevent moisture and staining appearing internally.
Making good
Floors, ceilings, skirtings and plaster all need reinstating, and the room usually needs redecorating throughout to blend the repair.