Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Help with a fireplace

Hey,
My name is Shaleen. I just bought a house in South Denver about a year ago and Man it has been a great experience. But the only thing that has been a pain is the fireplace. All of the sudden it fell like a huge wall of brick. I guess that the Builders didn't take out those little pins and it just fell. Good thing that there wasn't one of my kids under it! But I was wondering if there are any tricks that someone might know to building a fireplace. I want to make a good one! close to the one that I have attached. I really don't have a limit for my funds I have saved up for a while and I have some Home Depot coupons (http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Home_Depot.discounts/6375/)!
Please if you have any advice I would love to hear it!



http://www.stonerootsinc.com/images/fireplace2.jpg





Thank you,
Shaleen

Hi Shaleen, from an energy efficiency, insurance, and value point of view, a fireplace is considered a negative. They waste more energy than they provide in heat, the insurance companies don't like them, and because of their issues, they reduce the value of your home.

The modern alternative would be a well designed hearth with a built in airtight stove or free standing stove, with whatever choice of fuel you desire.

Just wanted to give you more options.

Bud

wow i iddnt know that
but what do i do with my chiney?

Alternate stoves can most likely use the chimney to have. Have them take a look to be sure it is safe and they will run a smaller vent up through the existing.

43 degrees this morning.

Bud