Expert: Dan Griffin - 3/11/2008

Question
We have a pre-fabricated fireplace we want to remove.  It's ugly and take up too much space.  My husband and I are relatively handy, but any tips would be grateful.  The fireplace appears to be metal, and it looks as though they built a wall to surround the fireplace so it looks built it.

Answer
Removing the fireplace is probably the easy part.  I assume you plan on removing the wall surround to get back to the original outside wall.  YOu need to find what they did for the chimney.  It is probably double or triple wall metal pipe.  Some brands have clamps at the joints, most screw together, maybe only a quarter turn.  This stack will either be going through the attic and roof or turns and goes out the side wall and up the outside.  It may have a wood box built around it on the outside.

Before committing to the project, make sure you know how to remove the chimney stack.  Be prepared to patch the roof, at least temporarily.  YOu can cut a small, repairable inspection hole in the drywall above the fire box to do some studying before the total demolition to avoid surprises.  Check the circumstances at the back wall and the floor to make sure you are comfortable proceeding.

Good luck.