Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Gas Log Removal

I've moved into a home recently that has gas logs installed in the fireplace. I'd like to remove these and have a regular wood burning fireplace. Has anyone done this? I'd like to know whether or not it's something I can do myself or whether I should hire a contractor to do the job.

On a side note, the subject fireplace has an ugly brass cover in front of it with sliding glass doors to access the gas log unit. I'd like to take this out as well and just have a nice decorative wrought iron screen on the hearth in stead. Is this just a matter of unscrewing the cover and pulling it away from the brick or does it need to be there because of the gas logs?

Thanks in advance for any answers y'all have got for me.

Fireplace and gas logs can be removed. A chimney professional should inspect chimney prior to using it for wood burning fires.

Look into a natural gas direct vent insert.

High efficiency, no mess, good heat output if you want it and a choice of exteriors.

I am now waiting to have my insert installed to replace my "wrinkled tin" (non-masonry) wood burner. - No more cold air coming down the chimney!!!

Have a professional inspect it. I have gas gas logs, but had the fireplace designed for wood burning when the house was built.
My dad's house had gas log setup and the fireplace was designed for gas only. The fire box was too shallow, and when he decided to burn wood, he could not get a good draft and no matter how cold and crisp it was outside, he always smoked up the house.

ive got somebody coming to remove the logs and install a gas starter for burning wood, as well as inspect the chimney. Thanks for all the advice y'all.