Expert: James Ball - 10/23/2009

Question
Hello James,
I recently had a house inspection done and he said that the hearth is removed the fireplace form section in the basement is sagging, staining and significant soft mortar/deterioration.  Does this sound like a major issue? what would be the cost of repair of this magnitude.
THanks,
Marc

Answer
Hello Marc, not sure what you are saysing, "hearth is removed" that is the floor of a fireplace. "basement is sagging, staining"  don't know what this is?, "significant soft mortar/deteroiration" from water?
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 have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James