Recently on 2 SFH rentals we had to seal our WBFP's then have them re-inspect it to avoid losing our Insurance.On a higher end SFH I took out the old WBFP & installed a Gas insert with blower & they love it.We did have an issue in an old rental home years ago where the fire was so hot the support joists under the hearth actually started to smolder.

I would agree with Michael Seeker then.Wood is cheap to install, easy to work with, and if you seal it then you should be good.

- electrical box is 2nd living room- attic sealed off due to I believe animals living in it (due to crack between chimney and roof)Cosmetic Upgrades:- repaint int/ext- replace trim (looks like a bad job, DIY style)- shed removal- carpet throughout- new tile in kitchen and front walk way- need to do something with that heat source in 2nd living room (don't like the fireplace much)- deck restoration- fix cracks in drywall- tub liner- replace countertops- fix chimney /bowed roof- window sill replacements- fix slop of floor in kitchen (some how)- closet doors and a lot of wood work needs to be fixedProbably missing a bunch of stuff but the things that really concern me are the slant in the kitchen and the gap between chimney and roof.Thanks for the help, let me know what you guys think.Here are some pictures I took today:

I agree with Mike go to Home depot they have acid cleaner for grout to clean it also where your Ppe so you can protect your self all the way around you can also use the grout renew as well but once you get it clean and the color to original look seal it so it can stay refresh for a long time 

Or you hire an environmental firm to do the job - they will seal the area while working and check air samples afterward, and they handle all disposal too.

You could probably seal in the meth with a floor to ceiling spray paint job and get it to pass a meth test but I wouldn't spend too much for a meth house if they are requiring it to be gutted completely

I seem to recall reading that this seals the smell in and requires the sheet rock to need replacing.

We sealed it, dry walled, put down some laminate tiles and repurposed cabinets I had in my craft room upstairs that had been just storing junk.

Sealing up holes goes a long way.

Use Kilz to seal the floor.