The black you see is soot. And that's from a wood fire. Possibly the owners have been building fires for heat and have been building too large of fires. But the solution to your delimma is simple. Call the inspector and ask what the heck does he mean?

My fireplace opening measures 48" wide and 33" tall. I just ordered a flat fireplace screen wtih doors. It measures 44" wide and 33" tall. I was replacing a curved screen that had the 48" wide measurements. The curved screen didn't look undersized but the new flat one makes the difference more noticable. I don't think it is a safety issue because of the inside shape of the fireplace. But, will this look weird?

Hi Windslam, Any advice for our fireplace. We bought a house some time ago with a space ready to install a gas fireplace, so we bought one installed it and now our builder hasn’t come up with how to do surrounds so it looks flush to the rest of the original build. see photos please need help with this one! ‍♀️

NaviJen, pleased to see you posting with us. Mass. is a whole different style of housing than what I'm used to in Alabama. Like lower ceilings, big basements, storm windows, dormers, angled ceilings upstairs. And I've been surprised at the absence of air conditioning (a necessity built into every home in south Alabama), and the intrusive nature of many heating systems--including radiators, baseboard heaters, boilers and oil tanks! Those things take up a lot of space and money to operate also. As older folks who married almost four years ago (second spouses), my DH has a home up there, and I have one down here. That's why I sometimes do a flip-flop from north to south, you will notice. I've been redoing his house AND mine. Jen, be sure to hang in there with us, a lot of creative ideas come from this group of folks. And Steph, you are so unique, giving your boy his own bedroom!!! I'm thinking you need to get out more? hehehehe Having huge antique furniture can be a drawback in a smaller home. Of course, ONE PIECE could fit, maybe, if it is a featured piece. Something that WORKS FOR ITS KEEP. I do hope you have room for the things you've STORED FOR 14 YEARS?!! At least, put it in place and see if it leaves enough breathing room. After all this time, you may have fantasized it into something it can never be, and you've grown out of it....so to speak. Dreams are hard to give up. If I had a good spot to put it, I'd be looking for a nice armoire...just because I like those. But I realize it won't fit my house or my lifestyle any more.