Fireplace - Build in Book shelf or remodel brick (ceiling, pictures, designs)

[bay]

Need some advice on the fireplace. We have 2 fireplaces in the house. One is in the front living room and the other in the back Den area (with vaulted ceiling). We are in the process of remodeling the house. The fireplace in Den area was covered by a poorly DIY build-in book shelf. Now we have 2 options.

1. Rebuild the build in around fireplace
2. Re do the brick (maybe with stone brick)

The GC gave us the quote for 2000 to rebuild the build-in. Chimney guy gave us the quote 1750 to redo the decorative brick of the fireplace and fix a minor issue in the chimney.

For us, we might not even use the fireplace at all and we do not have basement for storage so that I vote for build-in. My husband vote for redoing the brick since he likes more clean feeling on the wall (he does not even want to hang a picture on the wall). Besides, the chimney guy will help to fix some minor chimney issue if we decide to let him redo the brick. Probably can save couple hundred dollars on this.

Here I would like to ask everyone's opinion on this. Thanks!

[kodaka]

Brick has more resale value. I would do that and find another way to create storage (preferably one that also increases resale value).

It might help in working with contractors if you use the correct term: built-in

[bellalunatic]

I would go with the practical yet not exciting fix on the chimney and refacing of the brick. It is kind of hard though to make a choice without seeing any pictures, but usually I always go for safety (chimney issue) rather than just doing aesthetic work that ignores the safety. Of course in a perfect world where we are all made of money, it would be to do both.

any chance of you posting pictures? That would certainly help for responses.

[whoisjongalt]

I would definitely re-do the brick so that it looks original. Almost everyone likes a nice fireplace but not everyone likes built-ins.

[plaidmom]

QUOTE=bay;11898885]For us, we might not even use the fireplace at all and we do not have basement for storage so that I vote for build-in. My husband vote for redoing the brick since he likes more clean feeling on the wall (he does not even want to hang a picture on the wall). Besides, the chimney guy will help to fix some minor chimney issue if we decide to let him redo the brick. Probably can save couple hundred dollars on this.

Here I would like to ask everyone's opinion on this. Thanks![/QUOTE)

I'd go with fixing the brick as well. Function and safety first. You can aways add style and storage later.

[South Jersey Styx]

Pictures please? Hard to imagine even with the good description. Sounds like a couple of fun projects though . . . .

[desertsun41]

I'm always for wood. Wood is too beautiful and should always come before brick. Here is an example what I do with fireplaces. I like to make it part of the TV, it should all be one experience. I want the fireplace to be in your peripheral vision when you are watching TV. This was one of my very special designs.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by desertsun41

I'm always for wood. Wood is too beautiful and should always come before brick. Here is an example what I do with fireplaces. I like to make it part of the TV, it should all be one experience. I want the fireplace to be in your peripheral vision when you are watching TV. This was one of my very special designs.

How beautiful! Even if someone doesn't prefer this style of work for their fireplace, it is very, very nice. Good job and great suggestion!