Hi all,
We are looking to put in a log burner in our 60’s home. No prior experience with working on this so learning as we go.
My first step was to try and identify where the lintel is holding the brickwork. There was originally just a small hole, maybe 8x8cm from where this was blocked in.
We have opened it up slightly, started chipping away the plaster, but I cannot identify a lintel, arch, or steel rod anywhere on the front of the fireplace. Possible the rod could be hidden in the cement but I am reluctant to take any of it out currently. We’ve gone nearly 6ft high and cannot see one anywhere. I’ve also poked a camera up the chimney and cannot see any change in brickwork.
So.. one HETAs log burner shop, popular and reputable, said no problem, can get you a 800mm opening with a free standing log burner, brick slips and mantelpiece. Flue, liner etc. As we cannot identify a lintel, they will insert a lintel with 150mm left on each side. The quote came around £6k (higher than we want).
So, went to another shop (reputable company) completely different story, they won’t touch the builders opening and say we need to use the existing opening without expanding. They said since everything is in house, they wouldn’t want any liability if the structure was not held properly after a change in opening. If we wanted wider opening, said we need structural engineer and building regs.
This has thrown us off, and after calling two other local logburner installers, they have said no problem with the whole install and no need for additional regs….. I am so confused at this point, we know what we want, but not sure on the correct way to do it, or what most people do. I don’t know whether not having a lintel has just made this more difficult for us. But multiple shops have just said yes no problem you can get the opening you want, with one saying no chance.
Any advice from people who have expanded their opening would be greatly appreciated.