Party wall chimney problems – next door neighbour chimney breast removal?

Is your neighbour having work done on the party wall or having their chimney breast removed?

We have many requests to carry out chimney inspections from party wall surveyors – in particular in London.

Many issues can arise when works are carried out, ranging from loft extensions to chimney breast removals, from removing historic plaster from walls next door to basement renovations in adjacent properties.

The resulting issues are numerous – chimneys that no longer conform to building regulations due to dormer windows next door; chimneys that have been damaged during works resulting in a chimney or fireplace that can not be used; masonry falling down the chimney during works causing irreparable damage to fireplaces; damage to the chimney stacks themselves, and much more.

Most of the works listed above that are carried out on a party wall will undoubtedly cause some kind of damage. The important thing is to have an inspection carried out prior to the works being carried out to prove the condition of your fireplaces and chimneys. This is often put into the party wall agreement and paid for by the owners of the property carrying out the works. Even if it isn’t paid for by them, it is important to get this inspection carried out BEFORE work commences – if you don’t, how will you be able to prove what condition your chimney and fireplace were in?

After the work is carried out, the inspection should be repeated to check for changes in the condition of the chimney, flue and firplace(s).

Party wall chimney inspection – what does it consist of?

Different party wall surveyors request different inspections. Our advice would be to carry out what we refer to as the ‘level 2 party wall inspection’. This consists of :

• Clean the flue(s) in question.
• Carry out a cctv chimney camera inspection. Still images of relevant damage etc will be taken.
• Carry out a sealed chimney integrity test to check for leakage.
• Carry out a visual inspection of the chimney stack and pots from the roof if practical and with drone if not.
• Complete inspection report for all flues tested with various relevant information included.

Party wall chimney inspection cost

The cost of this type of inspection can vary greatly depending on the chimney type, location and number of flues within the property. Contact us for a no obligation quotation.

What do I have to gain by having a party wall chimney inspection?

This service is a real investment to safeguard the character of your property. We have visited properties that have been unfortunate enough to be left with a bill of upwards of £35,000 because of damage caused to chimneys and fireplaces when major works have been carried out in adjacent properties.

For example, a 5 storey property in Primrose Hill will have a minium of 10 flues on the party wall. If they’re damaged during the works, the bill to reline them will be somewhere in the region of £25,000 if they are reparged, which will be a like for like lining method. That is assuming there is no damage to the fireplaces, and before you worry about issues such as cracked plaster and redecoration.

Why Choose Home Sweep Home for Your Party Wall Chimney Inspections?

Navigating party wall agreements requires precision and specialist knowledge, particularly when it comes to shared chimney structures. Ensuring a thorough and accurate chimney inspection is crucial to protect all parties involved. At Home Sweep Home, we provide expert party wall chimney inspections across London, offering unparalleled expertise and peace of mind.

Here’s why you should trust Home Sweep Home:

1. Unmatched Expertise & Qualifications: Our service is spearheaded by the most qualified chimney sweep in the UK, holding the prestigious Level 3 NVQ in Inspection of Chimneys. This advanced qualification guarantees the highest level of technical understanding and assessment capability for complex chimney systems, vital for party wall matters. Josh Firkins, our owner, is responsible for much of our report writing. Josh is a registered Expert Witness for legal disputes, so is well placed to advise on your situation.
2. Generations of Experience: Benefit from an extraordinary 165-year family legacy in chimney inspection and maintenance. This deep-rooted heritage means we bring generations of practical knowledge and understanding to every inspection, complementing our leading formal qualifications.
3. London Specialists: We have extensive experience working with the diverse range of properties throughout London. We understand the unique construction styles, potential issues, and specific requirements related to chimneys in the capital, especially within the context of party wall legislation.
4. HETAS Registered: As a HETAS Registered business, we adhere to the highest industry standards for solid fuel appliance installation, servicing, and chimney safety. This registration assures you of our competence, professionalism, and commitment to safety protocols.
5. Comprehensive Insurance: Your peace of mind is paramount. Home Sweep Home is fully insured with £5 million Public Liability (PL) insurance, providing robust protection and reassurance for all parties involved in the party wall process.
6. Professional & Reliable Service: We pride ourselves on delivering clear, detailed inspection reports and professional service from start to finish, ensuring clarity and confidence throughout the process.

When accuracy, experience, and robust qualifications matter most for your party wall chimney inspection, choose the proven experts.

Contact Home Sweep Home today:

Phone: 0208 868 8606 Address: 9-11 Oakleigh Road North, London, N20 9HE

To book your party wall chimney inspection please fill in the form below.

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