Gutting existing propane fireplace/TV to build alcove?

[snosurfa7]

Looking at maybe moving. House has a propane fireplace which I am definitely removing. Picture attached. Two questions:

1. Would it be easier to make an alcove out of the existing TV/fireplace area or just gut the whole thing and do away with the alcove idea? Seems like if I keep to the alcove idea I don't have to worry about the finish work on the side shelves and ceiling. Also would like to have a TV to the right of the alcove so it should provide some better protection against heat from the stove.

2. Once I get the propane lines safely unhooked and remove the existing fireplace where do I start?

This will be a first for me, gutting a part of a house. I can hang siding/windows/trim/doors/basic plumbing but being all self-taught looking for a little guidance here in terms of gutting this area while keeping the rest of the area as clean as possible. I guess I have to remove tiles/drywall/cut any wood that is framed between these two walls (i.e whatever holds the TV in place). Any tips/pointers/heads up would be appreciated. I have already been reading about how to build the alcove itself - just looking for tips on gutting/prepping this area for an install.

Thanks!

 

[ScotO]

It'd be really hard to make an alcove there and keep the TV where it is.....you'd be limited as to what kind of stove you can put in there. There ARE stoves that would work, but I think their size would be limited (small), so that's something to consider. If it were me (and I stress this is just MY opinion), I'd want to have a freestanding woodstove in that spot. Maybe take the whole alcove thing out altogether, and do a nice stone face up the back of that wall. build a nice raised hearth for your new stove to sit.....that would look really nice there. You could probably salvage most of those benches on either side of that alcove (so long as you stuck to the install guide of the stove you buy and to your local fire codes). What is the square footage of the house? I see you are in VA, what kind of winter climate do you have? Is the house well-insulated? Are you going to be a casual woodburner or do it for your main heat? Lots of questions to determine what sized stove you need to get, that is the first thing you should consider.

 

[snosurfa7]

Definitely getting rid of the TV. Would gut it pretty much all the way to the ceiling and put the TV to the right. I just wonder if keeping the alcove would be easier to keep it looking clean as I am no professional carpenter. I.e. no worries about having to change/finish the benches and/or finish the ceiling if the entire thing were to be removed.

Looking at coastal Carolina; similar climate. Hard to keep it burning all the time 24/7 because the weather gets into the 50s so much here in the winter but when I'm home the heat pump goes off and the wood stove takes care of it no problem in my current house. Hoping to do the same if we move. I can work out dimensions of the alcove etc later, just a little nervous gutting something like this for the first time.

Thanks for the reply