Bricked up fire place

rachael084

I have recently bought a 1930s semi with closed off fireplaces. The Husband and I optimistically thought that we could take off the plasterboard and open one up ourselves, however we have found it to be completely bricked up, right to the back of the fireplace. There is also a old pipe coming down the chimney, but we can't see up it or know what it's for.
Does anyone have any advice? Can we continue to remove the bricks or should we get someone in?
Thanks!

Zola.

We had a bricked up fireplace that we opened up and put a wood burning stove into.

You wont know the status until you open it up, so if you are wanting a stove or a fire, getting a reputable fitter out to have a look and evaluate the house and chimney etc is the best bet..

andrewf75

I'm no expert, but while you can probably remove the bricks yourself, it would surely be a good idea to get someone to have a look first to check what you can safely remove.

Le_Kirk

How big is the pipe? It might be a flue that was installed for use with a gas fire. Then the gas fire was removed. Is there a gas point near the fireplace?

ariba10

The Pipe is probably from a Gas fire or Wood burner.

Apart from clearing the Hearth area you need to make sure the Chimny is clear and the top has not been capped.