Removing a chimney breast inside your home is a significant structural job, and in most cases in New Zealand it will require a building consent. While there are some exemptions under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, chimney breast removal rarely qualifies because it almost always affects the structural integrity of the building. Read on to understand your obligations before you pick up a sledgehammer.
Why Chimney Breasts Are Usually Structural
A chimney breast is the section of masonry or framing that projects into a room to house the flue. In older NZ homes — particularly villas and bungalows — chimney breasts are often built from brick or stone and can be load-bearing, supporting the chimney stack above. Even in timber-framed homes, the chimney structure may be tied into the roof framing.
Removing any part of this without understanding what it supports can cause:
- Roof settlement or collapse
- Cracking in surrounding walls and ceilings
- Loss of structural bracing
- Damage to the flue serving other fireplaces or appliances
Because of these risks, chimney breast removal is generally work that materially affects the structure of a building — both of which trigger the need for building consent under the NZ Building Code.
Does Schedule 1 Apply?
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists work that is exempt from building consent. Minor repair and maintenance work can sometimes be done without consent, but removing a chimney breast does not fit neatly into these exemptions because:
- It typically involves removing load-bearing masonry or structural framing
- It changes the building's structure in a way that is not minor
- It may affect weathertightness if the chimney penetrates the roof
Always check with your local council before starting. What qualifies as exempt can depend on your specific situation, the age of your home, and how your council interprets the exemptions. MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on Schedule 1, but your council has the final say.
When Building Consent Is Required
You will almost certainly need building consent if:
- The chimney breast is masonry (brick, stone, or concrete block)
- The chimney stack above continues through the roof
- The breast forms part of a load-bearing wall
- You are removing the full chimney from foundation to roof
- The work involves altering roof framing or ceiling structure
Consent work must be carried out by — or under the supervision of — a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Structural design will likely require a structural engineer to specify how loads are to be redirected once the chimney is removed (for example, with a new beam or lintel).
What the Process Looks Like
If consent is required, here's a general outline of the process:
| Step | What's Involved |
|---|---|
| 1. Engage an LBP builder | Get a qualified builder to assess the work |
| 2. Structural engineer | Engineer designs any new beams or supports needed |
| 3. Apply for consent | Submit plans and engineering to your council |
| 4. Demolition | Chimney breast carefully removed, structure supported |
| 5. Make good | Walls, ceilings, floors reinstated; roof repaired if needed |
| 6. Inspections | Council inspects at key stages |
| 7. Code Compliance Certificate | Issued once work passes final inspection |
The Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is important — without it, you may have trouble selling your home or making insurance claims later.
Asbestos: A Critical Safety Warning
Many older NZ homes (pre-1990s) contain asbestos in chimney linings, mortar, or surrounding wall linings. Before any demolition work begins, the area must be assessed for asbestos-containing materials. Disturbing asbestos without proper precautions is a serious health risk and is regulated by WorkSafe NZ. A licensed asbestos assessor or removalist may be required — your builder can advise.
Gas Fireplaces and Flues
If your chimney breast houses a gas fireplace or gas appliance, disconnection of the gas supply is restricted work that must only be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Never attempt to disconnect gas fittings yourself.
What a Homeowner Can Do
As a homeowner, you can:
- Remove non-structural decorative surrounds and mantlepieces (if not fixed to the structural breast)
- Paint or patch around a chimney breast
- Plan and research the project
You cannot legally carry out structural demolition work that requires building consent without the required consent in place, and consent work must be carried out by or under the supervision of an LBP, and you must not do so without the required consent in place.
When to Call a Professional
Chimney breast removal is not a DIY project. You should engage:
- A Licensed Building Practitioner to manage and carry out the structural work
- A structural engineer to assess loads and design any replacement structure
- An asbestos assessor if your home was built before 1990
- A licensed gasfitter if a gas appliance is involved
You can find qualified local builders and tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their LBP licence number before engaging them for structural work.
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