Decorating & Remodeling. How Difficult Is It To Enlarge A Fireplace?

Decorating Remodeling : How Difficult Is It To Enlarge A Fireplace

Were buying a house that has a lounge 20 ft x 12ft with a tiny Victorian fireplace (1ft wide x 2ft high). It looks completely lost and Id like to have something around 2ft 6" x 2ft 6" with a flame gas fire in it so that it is a focal point in an otherwise very plain room. The chimney breast appears to be a decent size (about 4ft wide)...Is this do-able? ~~~ trebs ~~~

Best Answer To Decorating Remodeling Question

You need professional advice with this one, not only is there a question of how patent the flue is after years of disuse, you also have to consider how to strengthen the chimney breast to support the weight of the chimney breast and chimney above - the last thing you want is the whole thing falling in on you! Get a quote from a reputable builder for the work, its not worth risking your investment by taking the DIY approach with this one.

All Answer To Decorating Remodeling Questions

Answer 1

Yes, as long as you can get flue access for the gas fire. You really need someone to look at the fireplace and the one in the room above. Without seeing it, its very difficult to give any more info on how to do it.

Answer 2

The main hassle will be getting the gas pipe to the fireplace. And if it is an unused fireplace, you may need a flue liner. Also you will need to be sure that the chimney serves only that fireplace. If not it will become more complicated

Answer 3

You need professional advice with this one, not only is there a question of how patent the flue is after years of disuse, you also have to consider how to strengthen the chimney breast to support the weight of the chimney breast and chimney above - the last thing you want is the whole thing falling in on you! Get a quote from a reputable builder for the work, its not worth risking your investment by taking the DIY approach with this one.