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Chimneys shunned in new builds

16/12/05

Homes with a traditional fireplace and chimney may add value to a house but the cost and effort of maintaining them, along with new regulations to be brought in soon, mean they are now on the decline, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
 
The old fashioned chimney no longer features in many new-build homes and many older homes are not restoring or maintaining their existing one.
 
RICS spokesperson, John Reyers, said: "There are three things working against the old-fashioned chimney - an increasing focus on energy efficiency in the home, the space and cost implications of construction and the effort and cost of maintaining them.
 
"What many people don't realize is that working open fireplaces with chimneys can add both aesthetic and practical value to a property. But because they take up valuable space and add extra cost to the design of a property they may become the preserve of the upper end of the market."
 
But the danger is that many chimneys could consequently become blocked or fall into a state of disrepair, creating problems for homeowners if they decide to start using it again.
 
He recommends that homeowners with a chimney in their property should ensure that it is swept once a year and ensure it is properly ventilated. If the chimney is not in use, it should have a protective cowl on it.
 
The stability and the condition of the chimney stack should also be checked from the outside of the building.
 
But part L of the new Building Regulations to be introduced in spring 2006 will see fewer chimneys being built in new homes, largely because they do not help in promoting energy efficiency and reducing drafts.