subject: Cost Of A Real Fire And Chimney [print this page] I never realised how large an undertaking in time, money and decisions it was to buy a fire. I love autumn and it does not bother me as the summer days fade as it does with some people lamenting warmth and sunshine. I love the trees changing, the colours, the mists, the long cold walks with a flask of coffee and the wind blowing away my cobwebs. The only item missing in my checklist was a fire. I have always wanted a real fire and in my view this cannot be beaten. I have considered many beautiful shapes and designs and could almost smell the logs spitting away and roasting chestnuts. I set off to pursue the dream with my trademark determination and focus. The reality of installing a real fire was horrendous I was soon to discover and even my optimism was dented. A spot of retail therapy looking at home furnishing catalogues with the new autumn lines soon boosted my spirits to pursue the fire idea. My husband was rolling his eyes with his usual war cry of you have no idea what a big job it is this is roughly translated to No way woman. This usually adds to my determination to get the job done and that men are mere mortals compared to us formidable females. A few visits later that week to local fireplace shops left me losing the will to live and I was unsure of all the options. The man in the first shop asked me if I had a class 1 or 2 flue or chimney. I have neither to my knowledge. I went online at Argos catalogue and they have an extensive range from 750 to 150 but not what I was quite looking for. I had forgotten the practicalities of a chimney which did seem key to an open roaring fire. I went back home to ask my husband how big a job is it to build a chimney? The snort of derision blended with disdain and a told you so expression nearly made me wobble in my decision but I stood firm. He said that the job would take at least 2 weeks and would cost 1500. I phoned a builder to verify this and sure enough he confirmed this and apparently it is not just a pile of bricks or like jenga and that the square chimney top is difficult, specialist and must be sealed carefully around the roof. Not to mention the mess inside and outside our house and the poor weather setting in.
