hdubtx- I agree with the others about moving the wall forward. However, it will depends on what type of fireplace this is and the chimney flue if this is vented. If it is gas, the gas company will have to come in as well and somehow extend the gas lines. Either way It will require a lot of work to move. Also, I noticed you have an outlet for a possible TV above the fireplace. I would be willing to bet the farm this is a cable connection only and does not include the HDMI cables that are needed to make the "TV's of today" look spectacular. Do not think you will get that stunning picture you saw at best buy or in magazines without these cables. It will not happen and you will be disappointed. Everyone I know in my subdivision has been shocked to find out they have to tear out the wall and redo it with the correct cables for the "picture" to look like they saw in the store. I recommend running (3) HDMI cables minimum from the outlet you have, behind the wall to wherever your equipment will be located. The "cable" that is currently in place needs to be re- located to wherever your cable box will be. You then run HDMI cables from the box, DVR, Blu ray, etc to the TV. Be sure to label the HDMI cables as well. Hope this helps

All of the issues you mentioned are perfectly normal. If the ridge vent continued to the end of the roof it would look like a little cap on the gable peak when someone was facing the gable wall. Heavy laminated architectural shingles cannot lie flat when they are cold. When they heat up they will relax and the seal tabs will stick to the shingles below. What you should be concerned about is if a wind storm arrives before the shingles warm up and hope that the shingles were hand nailed in such cold weather.

Do you not like the current color? Are you planning on painting the house or trim at some point? If you like it, I say go with the current color, if possible.

I was just asking for the same advice yesterday from this group... we also have an orange roof and brick . I went and found jungle Camouflage by Behr and the trim is a creamy white that I do not have the name in front of me. They look really nice against the orange. Someone also suggested bronze windows which we are considering along with our front door. The orange is definitely tricky .