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02-12-2013 at 7:29 PM
MrsKKenned...
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MrsKKennedy is not online. Last active: 02-14-2013, 3:28 PMNewbie

Question: Fireplace Renovation

My husband and I are currently on the market to buy a home and are realizing the one we may end up buying will need some major renovations. One of the things is the fact that it is a 2 story without a fireplace. Yes, here in Texas they like to think that AWD vehicles as well as fireplaces are not necessary. Anyway, we do think it is necessary to have a fireplace. Has anyone done home renovations that involve adding a fireplace? Is there an average cost? Does anyone have any knowledge of ventless fireplaces? Do they produce heat? Thoughts/comments/suggestions/etc are welcome here! 
 
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02-12-2013 at 9:03 PM
MommyLiber...
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MommyLiberty5013 is not online. Last active: 06-19-2013, 10:52 PMSilver

A fireplace will require a hearth, burn box, and an extensive chimney, which would probably be pretty costly due to the support system needed to reinforce the wall and the masonry work.

However, you can opt to do a Franklin Stove instead. It burns wood and is actually more efficient in heating a home/room (it sucks out less heat than a regular fireplace does). I have seen them come in a variety of styles and price ranges.

Also, they just take a pipe that exits the house at or near the roof pushing the smoke away from the home.

I bet this would do the trick, add charm, and save you a bunch of money.
 
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02-13-2013 at 11:20 AM
another KT
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another KT is not online. Last active: 06-11-2013, 7:44 AMNewbie

I think some of the modern fireplaces that use ethanol or fuels gels don't require much infrastructure for venting.  Also consider gas. 

I thought it was amusing that you assume fireplaces are necessary.  I'd say have the houses in my area don't have fireplaces (Massachusetts).
 
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02-13-2013 at 8:05 PM
TootsieK
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TootsieK is not online. Last active: 03-04-2013, 4:56 PMNewbie

We have two propane vent-free fireplaces and yes, they produce heat -- lots of it.  However, they also produce a certain smell.  I'm not sure exactly how to describe it.  Not like gas or exhaust, more like ozone, maybe.  Not repulsive, but definitely there.

The cats don't mind.  They are delighted when we turn on the fireplaces! 
 
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02-15-2013 at 10:41 AM
TX-Bride
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TX-Bride is not online. Last active: 06-16-2013, 10:12 PMGold

I totally get what you say about AWD or 4WD, now that we have moved from Austin to DFW and get more snow/icy days, I was looking for a new car, and because of type of job I have, I actually have to go to work when it snows or icy, and had a hard time finding an AWD available in the lot.

I don't think a fireplace is must however, most houses we looked at, we preferred if it did not have a fireplace, because they stick them as the focal point of the family room, with no room for a tv, or tv on the side, which made the tv watching and furniture arrangement kind of difficult.

I also was going to suggest the type of fireplaces that burn ethanol.
 
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02-19-2013 at 1:57 PM
lizzer910
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lizzer910 is not online. Last active: 02-19-2013, 2:14 PMNewbie

They have fireplace options that don't need a chimney or anything like that. Go to a search engine like Google and type "ventless fireplaces"

http://www.darlingdwellings.com
Liz Miles http://www.darlingdwellings.com DIY home decorating for new home owners 
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