Opening Up a Fireplace: Your Complete How-to Guide

opening up a fireplace
(Image credit: Garden Trading)

Opening up a fireplace has to be one of the best ways to add character, charm and value to a period property — after all, an open fire is high on many people's wish lists. 

However, before you take a sledgehammer to what you believe to be a blocked up chimney or fire opening you should first ensure you familiarise yourself with the associated Building Regs, costs and how to do it safely to make sure you don’t end up with a whole lot of mess. 

Ian Rock

Chartered surveyor Ian Rock MRICS is a director is Rightsurvey.co.uk and the author of eight popular Haynes House Manuals, including the Home Extension Manual, the Self Build Manual and Period Property Manual.

Ian is also the founder of Zennor Consultants. In addition to providing house surveys, Zennor Consultants provide professional guidance on property refurbishment and maintenance as well as advising on the design and construction of home extensions and loft conversions, including planning and Building Regulations compliance.

Ian has recently added a 100m2 extension to his home; he designed and project managed the build and completed much of the interior fit-out on a DIY basis.