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Need some advice on remodel

18 years ago

We live in a lovely 1931 Dutch Colonial Revival -

We are presently undergoing major renovations 2ndary to flooding. We have a fireplace in the living room that I was going to replace the mantle and do a new hearth and surround. I have a mason coming to do some repointing. I have found a few v.nice custom mantles on ebay & architectural sites - all hardwood simple lines white painted popular or other woods - I'd like to stay within the period of the home - I can purchase for $500-$800

then I would do the surround/hearth in soapstone or black granite.

My question is: first opinions on the above plan

2nd while I'm undergoing the renovations - We have natural gas - do I put a unit in fireplace (sorry don't know all the terms), if so, type/cost. And what type of enclosure do I use. And last but certainly not least, what budget allowance ?

Thanks

Eileen

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Comments (2)

ontario_diyguy
18 years ago
Hi Eileen,

By saying you have a mason coming to do some repointing, I take it that your existing surround is brick or stone. I would guess that you would have to fix some kind of non combustable substrate (cement backer board for example)to the existing to accept the application of the soapstone or granite. Post again if you have questions about that.

I also assume that it is a log burning fireplace and you would like to convert to natural gas. You basically have a couple of options. If you want lots of heat, install an insert type fireplace, they can go up to $2500 - $3000 for a decent one. Or, if it just the cosy ambience of a fire you want, you could install a gas log set for about $300 - $500. On both options, cost of the gasfitter is not included. I'm in the process of planning a makeover for my fireplace. Look for my post "Brick Fireplace Makeover" . There is a description of what I have in mind and a conceptual sketch.

OntarioDIYguy
jejvtr
Original Author
18 years ago
thanks Ontario diy - The heat may be really nice - but ugghh the cost!
I'll check out your post and prob have lots of f/u ?'
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