In article
direct.com,
Ed J wrote:

Hi All,
Ive never done DIY before and our chimney stack is leaking. ...
We are basically broke at the moment and I cant afford £1000s to have a
builder do the job.
...

You've had some first-class advice already I see!

(Speaking from experience) I'd like to reinforce the fundamental point:
don't attempt this job yourself: you _will_ regret it, in several ways!

You need to ask around of your neighbours, friends etc, to see if you
can identify a good jobbing builder _who has done chimneys before_.

If it needs doing, and if you don't have the cash, then try and get a
loan. I'd say that rebuilding a chimney is just about the hardest, and
most dangerous, job you could think of, in DIY.

Very best of luck: we all wish you welll!

John