Recessed electrical and cable outlets need to be located above the fireplace, (You can hang a picture or mirror there to conceal them in the meantime.) And there needs to be a good bit of solid blocking behind the walls to accept whatever type of mounting bracket might be needed for whatever height. The fireplace should not have a raised hearth, as that puts the TV at much too high a height for comfortable viewing. There also needs to be fireplace doors that prevent the heat from escaping an roasting the electronics above. Ideally, the fireplace would be a sealed combustion chamber supplied with outside air for that combustion and then have a separate blower surround that allows you to harvest the heat to be blown into the room.

I would defintely tell the builder your plans for a tv later. The brick/stone mason can install conduit within the brick, and the electrician can run an outlet to be placed above the mantel. Even before the tv, you may enjoy having an outlet there in case you want to put lamps on the mantel. -Karen Duke (a fireplace shop owner)

Here is a picture of the woodstove we currently have in our family room and the Demensions. Brick: 82 3/4'w x 74 3/4't woodstove sits on a 1' brick seating area Stove is 12' wide Flashing around stove is removable but is 40 3/4' wide x 18 3/4' tall. Here is a link that might be useful:

Here's how a little black paint, a simple mantel and some contemporary fireplace accessories can get you started. Someone else would need to fill in the artwork and items for the mantel. Single Panel Screen and Contemporary Andirons in a Pewter Finish Ultra Modern Fireplace Door with Split Tube Surround and Keystone These types of things are available in a wide range of finishes to match your furnishings. I just chose Silver tones because they contrast greatly with the black for a very contemporary look. This can certainly be toned down with bronze or iron finishes. Get more ideas with the Free Fireplace Door Design Service at Hansen Wholesale.