Expert: James Ball - 11/28/2008

Question
I am considering purchasing an arts and crafts bungalow in Pasadena,
California that was built in 1908.   The fireplace is awkwardly located along an
interior wall in the living room.  It is also too small for the room and could
not be expanded where it is currently located.  If I were to purchase the
house, I would like to construct a new fireplace/chimney along the an
exterior wall that was up to code, appropriate to the architecture, and able to
withstand earthquakes.   I have no idea what the cost would be.  Most
chimneys in the craftsman style are either stone or brick.  Is it realistic to
build a new fireplace/chimney from scratch or would the cost be prohibitive?

Answer
Hello Michael, I would say to contact your local building department and a good mason and see what the cost would be and what is needed to "withstand earthquakes" as I am on the east coast. But you should also have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have and what you want to do.
James