I want to remove my fireplace.?

Question

My living room is very small and has only one wall. The front wall is all window. Then there is the wall w/the fireplace, which is flanked by awning windows, and the third wall opens entirely into the dining room. I need another surface for art or perhaps a flat-screen tv. It seems w/only one wall to work with, demolishing the fireplace would add value to the room vs. diminishing. I live in the SF Bay area, extremely winters don't typically require it's use. In four years here, I've fired it up twice.

Thoughts?

LTR

Answer 1

Is this an old period house? Victorian? If yes to either of these I would advise against removing it for re-sale value.

If this is a newer type house,you could take it out, but I would only if you are planning to stay there a minimum of 10 years.Fireplaces are not at all efficient, and wood is expensive, but some people love them.Personally, I think they are money wasters, and are only good for effect, and holidays,not a #1 heat source.

Answer 2

A lot of people like the look of a fireplace, not the fact that it heats up a room.  I've known of people that set their thermostat really low, just so they could use the fireplace.