Removing a gas fire but keeping surround

[Stuartjames1982]

Hi all.
We’re we are looking at removing our gas fireplace but keeping the surround/hearth and putting a freestanding electric log burner style unit in its place. The fire is on an outside wall and on the other side there is a round pipe going through to the outside. Would it just be a case of my plumber/boiler guy to take away the fire then reboard the backboard? Or will there be a massive hole back there?

pic attached

cheers

 

[Madrab]

I take it there is no chimney. If not then you have a balanced flue fire, should be relatively easy to remove and make good. There may be be a builders opening behind the fire but should be relatively easy to make good. Your Gas engineer will advise.