Remove chimney?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

So we're about to start remodeling the kitchen (and baths) in a 60's era ranch style house. I like "new" and modern like a lot of people but also appreciate some of the character of our house. As we work through ideas for the kitchen, we are starting to ask ourselves whether we should remove the fireplace for reasons of space, and potentially because it would no longer fit with the style that the new kitchen would take us.

As it is, we are not set on the style but my wife has always been set on white cabinets (that can be a discussion for another day). I prefer a transitional style, not too modern, not too traditional.

Anyway, the chimney poses two concerns. I mentioned style; on the kitchen side, it is painted and takes up a fair amount of space. When we remodel, I don't think it will look great. So either we drywall it and take away a little more space or remove it. Don't think it will stay the same.

On the family room side, you can see it's ginormous red brick. Again, for me it's character but for others it might be ungodly.

Finally, we've been in the house for eight year and have used it a grand total of 0 (zero) times.

FYI, these pictures are way old, when we first moved in. Furniture and light fixture updated now :).

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Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
Make sure there isn't a gas appliance using it as a vent and then remove it.
User
9 years ago
Many older fireplac s like that provide structural support for your roof. They were constructed with pockets to accept the joists. If you are going to remove it, you may need to address the support needed to replace the chimney. You need to consult a professional who can assess and perform this work for you.
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petalique
9 years ago
I like it. If I were looking at a home to buy, I'd want it left. In addition to the excellent points about the structural considerations, you might want to investigate the FP's impact on re-sale (if you don't plan on staying in your home a long time).
Vith
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You would have to know if it supports the ridge beam or not. (Probably)

In that case you would need to replace with a post or leave a brick column underneath that beam.

When I look near the floor that fireplace looks like a great toe stubber!

Considering you have used it zero times, I would remove it. I dont have space for non functional items in my house. If its going to be in the house and take up space it should be used. Same policy for exercise equipment. There is an elliptical I have for sale, not used enough, luckily I bought at garage sale.
PRO
Novel Remodeling
9 years ago
i would seriously consider upgrading that old chimney or replacing it with a decorative fireplace from a local warehouse store. That old chimney looks awful.
sheloveslayouts
9 years ago
We removed a large, pink 1948 fireplace during our renovation and it opened up a whole new world of possibility in the planning phase. I'm so glad we did it. Of course, we had a structural engineer confirm it was not structural. My husband and I rented a dropbox and an impact chisel and removed it ourselves in one weekend (single level home, with blocks down to basement floor) so I doubt it's expensive to hire.
kudzu9
9 years ago
Before you proceed to rip and tear and raise a lot of dust, bear in mind that fireplace mortar and/or bricks prior to the mid-80's frequently contained asbestos. You might want to have a sample or two of these materials tested before you fall in love with the idea of a DIY demo on your fireplace