How much to restore coal fire?

[cycloneuk]

Had a service yesterday and my inset gas fire was condemned, i'm thinking rather than replace it i would like to switch to coal. Wouldn't use it a lot since mainly use rads but will be nice now and then. The opening is there and gas engineer did a smoke test and checked the flue visually and appears to be ok. What price roughly would you say i would be looking at? is it just a matter of having the chimney swept and tested further and then a fireback and throat lintel being installed? have taken below pics so you can see what i have.

Untitled

• cycloneuk
• 22 Sep 2012
• 1

Untitled

• cycloneuk
• 22 Sep 2012
• 1

 

[joe-90]

A chimney is like leaving a window open =- all your heat from the rads goes up the chimney.

 

[maltaron]

I have done several in my own houses. Line the opening with thin fire bricks pointed with fire cement, let the top brick on the back lean forward to form a throat with a flue lintel, you can then use a fire basket. Alternatively, fit a preformed fire back and throat lintel. You will need a non combustable hearth in front of the fire.
I do not know whether you need building regs but would expect that you will need a competent installer at minimum.
and for Joe's info, a good coal fire and you will not need a rad in the room.

 

[joe-90]

He says he won't be using it though.