ᐅ Chimney – Planning Errors by Architects or General Contractors
Created on: 17 Mar 2018 00:23
A
Arifas
Hello,
The architect of our general contractor designed a stainless steel external flue for a chimney that was originally planned for the first floor. Yesterday, we received an email stating that the flue pipe required for the chimney we chose is so long that it extends far above the roof, causing structural issues. This is very different from what was shown in the plans for the building permit / planning permission, which we had approved. See plan.
Honestly, we are frustrated that the pipe now extends so extremely high, and we believe the architect should have known this in advance and informed us about the problem. We would have preferred a masonry chimney flue instead. Instead, we are being blamed that this problem arose because of the height of our chimney (the outlet is at 1.65 m (5 feet 5 inches) height). That can’t be correct, can it?! This is a completely normal chimney height, which an architect must account for when planning a chimney.
Our next question is whether there is anything that can be done to possibly shorten the flue pipe?
The architect of our general contractor designed a stainless steel external flue for a chimney that was originally planned for the first floor. Yesterday, we received an email stating that the flue pipe required for the chimney we chose is so long that it extends far above the roof, causing structural issues. This is very different from what was shown in the plans for the building permit / planning permission, which we had approved. See plan.
Honestly, we are frustrated that the pipe now extends so extremely high, and we believe the architect should have known this in advance and informed us about the problem. We would have preferred a masonry chimney flue instead. Instead, we are being blamed that this problem arose because of the height of our chimney (the outlet is at 1.65 m (5 feet 5 inches) height). That can’t be correct, can it?! This is a completely normal chimney height, which an architect must account for when planning a chimney.
Our next question is whether there is anything that can be done to possibly shorten the flue pipe?
saar2and schrieb:
It should also be kept in mind that a chimney should always extend above the ridge of the roof, especially because of roof windows or, if you don’t have those, out of consideration for the neighbors.
I didn’t know that either.I think we might have overestimated the general expertise of an architect if you believe that this is something he really doesn’t need to know.
... But I would have thought it fair if he had at least briefly mentioned that changes like this might occur. For example, he is not a plumbing specialist, yet we still expect him to plan the toilet properly and functionally.
T
toxicmolotof17 Mar 2018 08:46Arifas schrieb:
To be honest, we have no experience with stoves and chimney flues at all. That’s why we had the general contractor or their architect handle the planning.I can’t accept that. In that case, you should have hired an expert at your own expense or acquired the necessary knowledge yourself.
Regarding roof windows and the minimum height requirements, you should consult the local chimney inspector before construction.
Would I also have needed to hire an external toilet expert to get detailed information about the possibilities for a functioning toilet installation if I plan to build a toilet in my house?
I would generally have no problem with the architect not designing the chimney to be functional IF he had informed us about it beforehand.
However, as with the toilet, we assume that the chimney works with a conventional stove exactly as it is shown in the plans.
I would generally have no problem with the architect not designing the chimney to be functional IF he had informed us about it beforehand.
However, as with the toilet, we assume that the chimney works with a conventional stove exactly as it is shown in the plans.
I see it similarly. Of course, you should acquire as much knowledge as possible on your own, but I also think an architect should say something like: the chimney height might still change, it needs to be calculated, blah blah, I’m not an expert in that... This sentence alone would have been enough to prompt someone to look for more detailed information elsewhere.
I have to be honest, a chimney doesn’t belong on the exterior wall of a hipped roof. That’s something architects and home builders both know. Otherwise, you end up with a strange-looking pole sticking out of the roof. For me, that would be a deal-breaker for the chimney. It’s not that important, and if I were to build again, I wouldn’t install a chimney at all.
If you ask me, just remove the chimney from the plans and put an aquarium in that spot instead. Done!
If you ask me, just remove the chimney from the plans and put an aquarium in that spot instead. Done!
I hire a professional because I simply don’t know better than they do. That really doesn’t make sense.
If the architect isn’t familiar with fireplaces, they should have just said so. Then we would have had the chance to consult a specialist right from the start.
I would also leave out the fireplace. It just looks odd that way.
If the architect isn’t familiar with fireplaces, they should have just said so. Then we would have had the chance to consult a specialist right from the start.
I would also leave out the fireplace. It just looks odd that way.
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