Currently undergoing a kitchen renovation on our close to 100 year old rowhouse in the city, and our contractor has run into a few issues that we've had to adjust the contract for. The most recent is a chimney problem. Turns out ours started crumbling at the top, and has a crack in the side that goes "down about 19 courses." Of course when he brought his expert out he noticed that the chimney doesn't have a liner either and as a result has added that to the quote, and suddenly we are being asked to spend $4,000 on something that wasn't a part of the plan and looks to me like a little bit of crumbling brick.
This chimney has worked fine for 95 years give or take with no liner, and to my knowledge no one has died as a result. Would it be negligent of us to try to patch the brick for a MUCH lower price and leave the chimney liner to the next owner (we will be here less than five more years)? Or do you view this as an absolute necessity now?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
This chimney has worked fine for 95 years give or take with no liner, and to my knowledge no one has died as a result. Would it be negligent of us to try to patch the brick for a MUCH lower price and leave the chimney liner to the next owner (we will be here less than five more years)? Or do you view this as an absolute necessity now?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
