chimney removal concerns

[Alex]

I want to remove chimney and chimney breast completely. My house is a end terrace and the chimney is at the very end opposite from the neighbouring house. Removing the chimney would result in having a gap where a cavity wall becomes a single leaf of bricks. So, I am thinking of bridging the 'half hole' by 'rebuilding' the inner leaf of bricks in order to balance the overall structural strenght of the wall (i.e. a normal cavity wall). One major concern is that probably the foundations aren't designed to receive the inner leaf of bricks as these where originally designed to support the chimney structure which is about 200-250mm wider than the innner leaf course. Will I have to modify the foundations?

[chris French]

In message , Alex writes

I think you really ought to get in a structural engineer to have a look at this, the cost is small compared to the potential cost if things went drastically wrong.

[G&M]

What is the structure below the fire ? If it's totally solid then the weight will transfer OK, otherwise you will need to dig it out then probably infill with concrete to create new foundations.

[Alex]

That's the problem. I got no idea. I bought this house recently and I am trying to understand where to find more information about the foundations plans. As it stands, I need to dig under the screed and concrete to find out. The fireplace is blocked and a kitchen unit is installed in front of it. The wall lenght is about 8 metres long. I am aware chimney structures sometimes become supporting buttresses but there is already another chimney on the same wall.

[G&M]

Do you have an SDS drill ? If so and you don't mind damaging the existing setup, get a 24" long 10 or 13mm drill bit and drill down through the screed to see what comes up. If it is concrete all the way, or earth after a little while will be obvious. Do this across the whole area of the fireplace and tell us what you find.