Expert: James Ball - 1/2/2009

Question
is there a way to remove a old old wood burning fireplace with out a professional? It is about 30+ years old so it resembles an oven in the wall. You open it and put the wood in. this is the one thing in the house we HATE and never use. It was suggested that we cover it up with a wall instead of having it removed. what do you think? I don't want it at all.

Answer
Hi Kristy, with out seeing it I would not know what you have or what to do with it. I am not a big fan of removing a fireplace (resale value)I would 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 havethey should be able to point you in the right direction.
James