How can we get rid of a bulky and non-functional fireplace?
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Is there a chimney outside? If so, it may have been a working fireplace at one time. Dismantling takes a bit of skill, but possible. Check your local codes too as a permit will probably need to be pulled.
If it were me, I would take it down carefully to either resell the brick or donate to a Habitat restore.
Now you will left with a gaping hole in the wall and reconstruction can begin. Don't forget about roof work, that may require some modification too.
Do your research and decide if they are up for this project, as this takes far more than a weekend. If you decide to hire out, get at least 3 bids from only qualified licensed contractors.
Is there an outside (on the roof) chimney? Does the adjoining half-duplex fireplace adjoin the same wall? I would be hesitant to just start tearing it out without a professional opinion. You can buy an electric fireplace to fit the existing hole and frame out and drywall over the brick but that wouldn't give you any more space.
We have an old fireplace that we are no longer able to use in our home, so we built a candle holder inside it, to use when we want that warm glow effect when having guest over.
It's possible, but expensive. Fireplaces are often selling points in a house. (Even non-functional.) While you might not like it, there's the re-sale aspect to think about. Is it solid brick? Is there a hearth around the fireplace? Is it attached to the walls and or ceiling? Are the floors hardwood? Get some estimates before you do anything and see if the extra square feet are worth what you're going to end up paying for the whole project. How long are they planning on staying? It's different if they will be there 20-30 years or a starter home.
Take it down from the top - one brick at a time.
Lot of work and lot of mess. Start with removing the chimney one brick at a time. Them remove the fireplace one brick at a time. Deal with covering the chimney opening and patching the roof.
there are electric fire place inserts available.
It does take up alot of room but I would make shelves on either side for books, man decor, maybe some baskets for a clean look. Cover the brick with tiles, wood or sheet rock. Put electric fireplace in hole.
I'd paint the brick and add built in shelves/bookcases on each side for a built in look.... Like others said I'd add an electric insert,, you can also fill it with a variety of candles (real or faux w/ battery) for a guy I'd use big chunky ones. Until you find a electric insert. Removing all that brick will be costly, not a do it your self project for a first timer unless he assists someone who knows how to do it.. It may be linked to the house heating system chimney
Wow! That is one monster of a room hog. You said duplex, is that over under or side by side? It is a start at the top kind of job plus he needs to determine if there is a mechanical chase that runs with it because that could mean plumbing or heating issues to deal with. But it should definitely come down. From the picture the room appears narrow, I don't think I would give up the wall space to have an electric fireplace.