Party Wall Surveyor for Removing A Chimney Breast Shirley
Taking out a chimney breast might look simple at first.
But when it is attached to a wall that you share with a neighbour, the law says you must follow rules under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is when Faulkner Surveyors can give you the help you need.
As your local Party Wall Surveyor in Shirley, we ensure your project is compliant, neighbours are properly notified, and everything runs smoothly—so you can renovate with confidence.
Why Does Removing a Chimney Breast Shirley Trigger the Party Wall Act?
Removing a chimney breast Shirley usually means you have to change or cut into a shared wall. This wall is often called a party wall. It sits between your home and your neighbour’s home.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must give your neighbour a formal notice before you start any work that can change the structure, support, or strength of a party wall.
This is especially important in Shirley, where you can find many terraced and semi-detached homes. These homes often have chimney breasts built right into the shared walls.
Even if the chimney is just on your side, taking it down could change how strong, steady, or safe from fire the wall you share with someone else. is.
By law, you must:
1.Notify your neighbour(s) with a Party Wall Notice.
2. Give them time to say yes or to pick a survey person.
3.In some cases, agree on a Party Wall Award that outlines how the work will be carried out.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we help people living in Shirley move through this process in a clear and easy way. We make sure your project follows the law, is safe, and keeps your neighbours happy from the start to the end.
Are You at Risk of Disputes With Neighbours Over Chimney Removal Works?
Yes, taking out a chimney breast shirley is one of the top reasons that neighbour disputes happen under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is because changes like this can lead to problems between people who live next to each other.
Even if the job looks small or happens only on your own land, you still need to be careful if it changes a shared (party) wall. Your neighbour has legal rights. If you do not follow the rules, there could be big issues between you and them.
Here’s what can go wrong if you do not follow the right steps:
Structural Concerns: Your neighbour may feel that taking away the chimney could make the wall you both use weaker.
Legal Action: If you do not send a notice or get the okay first, you could face court orders, hold-ups, or maybe even be sued.
Costly Claims: If something gets damaged and there is not a Party Wall Award, you might have to pay for fixing it yourself—and your home insurance may not help with the cost.
At Faulkner Surveyors,, we are here to look out for you. We make sure that all is done the right way and everything follows the rules.
We will help give the right notice. We take care of talking with your neighbour. We also handle any trouble that may come up in a calm and fair way.
This can save you time and stress. It can also help you not have to pay extra legal costs. If you live in Shirley and want to take out a chimney breast, do not take a risk.
We are your local Party Wall experts. We are here to help and protect your project from the beginning to the end.
Why Is a Chimney Breast Considered ‘Party Structure’ Under the Act?
A chimney breast is often considered a ‘party structure’ under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 because it is usually built into or attached to a party wall—a wall that separates two adjoining properties and is jointly owned or shared.
Even if the chimney appears to be fully within your property, if it is attached to a wall that divides your home from a neighbour’s, it legally affects both sides.
That’s why any alteration—such as removing or modifying the chimney breast—can impact the structural integrity, fire resistance, or sound insulation of the shared wall.
Under the Act, a ‘party structure’ includes:
The wall itself
Any chimney, flue, or projection attached to or forming part of that wall
Floors or other elements that are shared between two properties
So when you remove a chimney breast that’s connected to a party wall, you’re altering a shared structure—and that’s exactly what the Party Wall Act is designed to regulate.
We help homeowners in Shirley handle these legal requirements with ease—ensuring your project stays fully compliant, structurally sound, and dispute-free.
Could You Be Liable for Damage to the Adjoining Property in Shirley?
Yes, if you’re removing a chimney breast Shirley and the work affects your neighbour’s property—even indirectly—you could be held liable for any damage caused.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you’re required to notify your neighbour and often agree to a Party Wall Award before starting work.
This legal document sets out how the work will be carried out and helps protect both parties in the event of damage.
If you proceed without serving notice or without professional oversight:
Cracks in plaster, ceilings, or walls may lead to expensive repair claims.
You may have to pause your building project until the matter is legally resolved.
Your home insurance might not cover the damage if the Party Wall procedure wasn’t followed.
That’s why it’s essential to involve a qualified Party Wall Surveyor—like us at Faulkner Surveyors. We help Shirley homeowners stay compliant, manage risk, and avoid the legal and financial headaches that come from cutting corners.