Removing chimney stack - how much would it cost to get done?

[ste]

Hi there,

Sorry for the non-DIY question, but I couldn't think of a better group to post this to!

How much, roughly, would I expect to pay to get the chimney/chimney stack/flue removed completely from my house?

I live in a small 3 bedroom semi-detached house which was built in the

1950's. All the rooms are quite small, so I'm trying to figure out whether this is a 'cheap' way of getting a bit more space in a few of my rooms, or whether it makes more sense to get an extension instead.

The chimney stack runs through the centre of the house (not on the party wall) and measures into each room (an upstairs bedroom, and the living room) by 1.5 foot deep, and about 3 foot wide. This doesn't sound a lot, but as the rooms are small, it does make a difference and leaves the room with a 'void' either side of the stack (of a similar dimension). This works out fine for the upstairs bedroom as I've put shelving into one of the 'voids' and turned it into a concealed wardrobe, but in the living room it's just a waste of space in an already small room.

Thanks for any advice,

Stephen

[Rick]

I'd remove the whole thing from above roof to below floor level.

Once the stack is down you will need to make good walls, ceilings, floors & roof. Its got to be a few grands worth or work.

I'd DIY it, and would budget a grand from what you have said.

A buider would require scaffolding and stuff where as Mr DIY could do the job from a cherry picker. And the builder will budget in moneys for breaking roof tiles and stuff, and then keep the extra if he breaks none.

Rick

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Get a few quotes from local builders.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

I notice you said "I I'd remove the whole thing", I presume you have never done this sort of work? Not as easy as it sounds mate. :-)

[ste]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Ste