Expert: James Ball - 2/5/2010

Question
Less than two months ago I purchased my first home.  A shared chimney chase with 2 flutes.  (This is a cedar sided wooden structure.  a townhouse )  One reason I purchased this property was the "working fire place".   My mistake not to have the chimney checked BEFORE we closed.  Now the chimney sweep has red tagged it unsafe due to the flute not being connected to the opening in the insert.  When you look up with his mirror you can see the flute appears to be off to one side and there is a gap.  His estimate is for $300. in materials - a collar, drywall  & paint but the kicker is he has almost $4,000.  for labor and says it will take a week.  I can do the drywall myself.  What is the possibility I can do the collar between the insert opening and flute ?  Then getting it certified for use ?  Once I knock the side in above my insert what can I expect to go through to get to the flute.   Wish I could X-ray the situation.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Brian, 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. But it sounds like some one either installed it wrong or when cleaning it pushed it up, either way do not use it and have it fixed by a pro, if you want to do the sheet rock them the contractor you will open and close the wall. The entire chimney might have to be removed and replaced (most are 3 wall systems and each pipe has to lock together then the next one is put on top and repeat to the top.)
Hope this helps
James