Expert: James Ball - 12/3/2008

Question
Hello James, I am building a stone cabin in our woods here in IN. I've always wanted to build a cabin, By myself, off of the land. It will be 12 x 10. The only thing I am spending money on is mortor. I plane the fire place as being 4x2.5 inside. setting up about 10 inches from floor level. I plan on some metal mesh at the top of the chimney to keep out any small animals is there any thing else I have to do? Do I have to have a damper or chimney liner? The pioners did'nt. I am a 44 year old Mom whose sons are now in collage so I got a hobby! Thanks for any advice, Billie

Answer
Hello Billie, I think that is great that you have this hobby and it should bring you great satisfaction. while the "pioneers didn't" todays building codes are there for a reason, contact then and they will tell you what you need (damper, flue tile clearance to combustibles...etc.) do this part right or all the work that you are doing could go up in smoke.
James