Fireplace -> stove conversion, where to start?

[slippyr4]

The fireplace in my living room is a (hideous) original 1930's tiles affair, and is in working order (although the flue lining (lime mortar, I think) is crumbling quite badly)

We would like to rip it out, and have a multifuel cast iron stove put in. We'd also want the top of the fireplace opening raising slightly for aesthetic reasons. Ideally we would have a wooden fire surround too.

I am not sure, however, whether this is a "specialist" job, or if it, and its building control ramifications, are in the remit of a general builder?

Any recommendations for where I should enquire to get this sort of thing done would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Slip.

 

[Wiltshiregirl]

Two or three ways to go about this :
1) If you are pretty ok with diy yourself, you can do the install yourself, and then get it signed off by your local building control dept. (
2) Get a competent builder to do it for you, and then get it signed off by Building Regs.
3) Go down the Hetas route. Hetas installers are supposed to be in the know with all the necessary regulations required, so can advise / fit and then self certify the install.

If you go about it yourself, you need to read up on the Building Regulations Part J - about 60/70 pages of waffle, but very important to understand, so you keep safe clearances from combustables etc. Solid fuel stoves will throw out a lot of heat - a mistake could burn your house down!
Going down the Hetas route can be a minefield. You need to get 3 or 4 quotes really, but from experience, you will find that they will likely contradict one another on how it can be done, and you will end up more confused than when you started!

This is a good site for info: has a couple of Hetas installers who post there as well, and can help with any questions you may have :
http://www.thegreenlivingforum.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=21

Best of luck.