Gas Fireplace removal for Wood stove

[vego99]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum but have lurked around enough to see there are some pretty knowledgeable people here!

My wife and I just moved into a new construction home. Durning the planing stage, we had wanted to have the ability to install a wood stove however the builder did not not have the option to do so. Instead we took them up on the offer to install a gas insert fireplace with a direct vent to the outside.

Needless to say we are unhappy with this insert and would like to remove it and install a wood stove.

I have uploaded two pictures. One of the inside showing what we currently have ( excuse the giant heat hog in front of the insert) and one of the exterior of the house to give you an idea of what we are working with.

Questions:
1. Can this even be done?
2. Can I utilize the the existing direct vent hole for chimney pipe? Is there a better way to do this?
3. Chimney height / clearance. the length of this family room is 12' long. (Face of main house to back wall not including the bump out for the direct vent). Can i get away with being 3' taller than the peak of the family room? Or do i need to clear the main house?

Thanks,

Erik

Untitled by vego99, on Flickr


Untitled by vego99, on Flickr

 

[electrathon]

There is nothing that enough time, money and effort can't fix. What you want is doable, but it is likely a bigger deal than you might think. A stove alcove will be quite different than the gas stove enclosure. The reuse of the hole in the wall is minor compared with the other changes you will need.