At the minute we only have a stove set in the enclosure on a couple of yorkshire slabs. We picked nice stone to do the bottom half of the chimney brest and oak beam above. Would really like to have the enclosure made wider as its quite narrow, the lintel is only 4 inches overhang each end. Im wondering if it will be hard to replace lintel or widen it some way and what cost will be involved.
Hi Jay. This is all very doable. This is grist to the mill of yer average builder (not sure if that's the right meta-whatsit). But, how can we tell what's involved from on here? I mean, you ain't even posted a piccie. If you do so, then good chance some on here can advise and possibly even give some rough ideas of cost. At the moment, not a chance... Ok, then - £500. Your turn
The construction of chimneys vary greatly and some can be structural. Even widening an opening can affect the structural load on the pillars supporting the lintel. Quite often in older homes you will see cracks from near the top of the chimney breast to the edges of the lintel where owners have opened up fireplace incorrectly or not propped it up adequately. Same thing with removing bedroom fireplaces and chimney breast, very few people consider that these are actually stiffening the wall and act like a wind post - which is why we see so many houses where the pine end falls down in high winds! Jay, if you want to fit your oak wooden beam you also need to be aware of the building regulations that restrict the design and type of appliances that can be used. I would consider contacting a Hetas or Gas safe certified engineer before getting quotes on widening the opening