Expert: James Ball - 7/13/2010

Question
hello,

i am moving to a property which has the potential to extend to the side, something i'd like to do long term. the problem is this would mean losing the fireplaces in 2 reception rooms and 2 bedrooms. the bedrooms aren't such a worry but i'd like to retain those in the reception rooms.

is it possible to move fireplaces or would this be impossible/very costly? i guess the other option would be to keep them in the existing places and open up the recesses on either side to access the extension?

any advice would be much apprecaited!

best

Answer
Hello Sam, re building/moving a masonry fireplace/chimney can be very expensive, but you could take the chimney down and install Prefab fireplaces (metal firebox, ss pipes) that might be cheaper or a direct vent fireplace (no chimney needed) natural gas or propane. take a look at your local wood stove stores and 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