Advice on Replacing a Factory Fireplace with Wood Stove

[Wilder]

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice and a general gut check on this project. Long story short, we have a factory fireplace, a Majestic Thulman L-36, which is original to the house which was built in 1968. We still use the fireplace from time to time, but want to replace it with something more useful for heating the house. The idea is to remove the current fireplace and use the space as an alcove for a standalone wood stove (Hearthstone Craftsbury). We have thought about a zero clearance insert but like the aesthetics of a wood stove more.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this, how possible it is, and what potential surprises I might find. I have tackled framing and drywall projects before so I feel good about that. The rest will be new to me. I hope to DIY everything, then have my work inspected before lighting up for the first time. The biggest unknown to me is the final dimensions of the alcove. Based on the exterior dimensions of the alcove, and assuming it is framed with 2x6s, I will have enough space to meet separation requirements without needing heat shields, but this is an known without punching a whole in the wall..

The photos show the current fire place, alcove/fireplace from the exterior, and a sketch of the current fireplace and what I have in mind.

I see the general work flow as, remove the brick facade, remove the drywall in front of the chimney, remove the fireplace and chimney, drywall and re-tile the alove where needed, install the new stove and chimney.

Thanks in advance!