Hi, I’m new to the forum. Thanks in advance for your advice.
We just bought a home in Oakland, CA. It has a chimney which spans 2 stories, but no fireplace on either story. We just got a hold of the former owner, an architect, who said there were wood stoves in the living room (1st floor) and master bedroom (2nd floor). He said he removed them and sealed the wall because he wanted a gas fireplace on the perpendicular wall. He ran a gas line to that wall on both floors and that gas line is apparently still there, behind the drywall.
Our goal is to have a fireplace, a modern looking one since the house is contemporary. My question is, which one is easier and more cost effective: To buy a new insert for the existing chimney, or use the gas line and install a new (zero clearance?) unit? If the latter, can I opt to burn real wood in one or is it only gas?
Thank you!
We just bought a home in Oakland, CA. It has a chimney which spans 2 stories, but no fireplace on either story. We just got a hold of the former owner, an architect, who said there were wood stoves in the living room (1st floor) and master bedroom (2nd floor). He said he removed them and sealed the wall because he wanted a gas fireplace on the perpendicular wall. He ran a gas line to that wall on both floors and that gas line is apparently still there, behind the drywall.
Our goal is to have a fireplace, a modern looking one since the house is contemporary. My question is, which one is easier and more cost effective: To buy a new insert for the existing chimney, or use the gas line and install a new (zero clearance?) unit? If the latter, can I opt to burn real wood in one or is it only gas?
Thank you!