Fireplace HELP!

[Priscilla Z.]

I'm rehabbing my latest house in Florida, first one with a fireplace.

Apparently it leaks. Since it is Florida there are not many contractors in my area that specialize in fireplaces, only two to be exact. Neither has called me back to schedule an appointment and I'm on a timeline.

Here is my plan. I'm going to seal/close the chimney part and insert an electric fireplace. In my area that only reduces the value of the house by $1,500 so no biggie, I'm in Florida remember :)

The only contractor that came out to see it yesterday does not do repairs to the actual fireplace inside but can seal the chimney. So I can use him for that. Then it would be a matter of removing the firebox and inserting the electric one, and lucky for me, there is a plug right in the box.

Now, this fix sounds too easy to me. Anything I should be concerned/mindful of?

[Wesley C.]

I would definitely not do the gas. You are correct that it is too much expense. I'd probably get a chimney company to come and fabricate a cap that covers the entire chimney top, not just the hole, if that makes sense. They can make it out of aluminum much like they would duct work. I actually had a heating and air guy make me one once. Just screwed it down with masonry screws and put silicone around the edges. This should pass inspection and the buyer will know they have to option to uncap it if they want. I'm not even sure I'd put an electric one in there. But if you do, Dimplex makes one for less than $200 that looks really convincing and gives off a little bit of heat to boot.