I want a log burning stove, what do I do with current fire place?

[VivaLeThrustBadger]

which looks like this

Do we just remove the actual gas fire so we still have the arch?

Then stand the stove on the black tiles and push it as far back as it'll go?

We have a proper chimney going up from it as its an old Victorian house.

We had a log burner installed this year, I love, love, love it.

We didn't need anything taking out, but yes, that will all need to go.

Then they will sweep your chimney. I was expecting songs and up on the roofs tops, step in time, Mary Poppins etc, but sadly it was like a hoover

Then they will line your chimney, and the stove goes in, the tube going up is at the back and then seal it off with a metal plate.

There needs to be a certain gap either side, sorry can't remember but can measure.

We did have a builder look outside at the chimney, when they line it, they put a cap thing on, and the hearth has to be a certain size I think.

They will also check that your mantlepiece is going to withstand the heat, which sounds daft, but things change over time. Ours was still the original so that was good.

How much did the installation cost on top of the stove cost please?

Can't remember exactly, have sent a message to DH who is working in San Fran, as soon as I hear I will come back, but i think it was around £2000 on top of the stove. Am in London which always bumps up prices though.

Gosh, wasn't expecting it to be that much.

It looks quite simple. Sling a flu liner down the chimney with a collar on the end which attaches to the stove flu. Use a cowl at the top to fix it. Tempted to send dh up the roof if its going to save 2k.

....and if you get a chimney fire due to an improper installation, your house insurers will pay out precisely sod all.

must be installed or at least checked by a HETAS person.

Yeah I knew it had to be checked. Dh is allowed to put nuclear power stations together so he's quite handy.

He can rewire houses, do plumbing, mend dishwashers, ovens, computers, etc.

Some stove selling online website I've found says they are simple enough for a competent DIY'er to install as long as its checked.

I know people who've installed their own wood burners, I don't think it's massively difficult. You then have to get building control from the council to come out and sign it off.

FWIW we paid about £900 on top of stove for installation, although this was by far the cheapest quote. They are so, so popular now that I think they can pretty much charge what they like and still have massive waiting lists.

We paid £1700 in March for the old one to be taken out (think red brick, gas fire, 80s monstrosity), he then rebuilt the original 1930 arch, plastered the wall, lined the chiminey, redid the cowl, fitted the plate, tiled the hearth, fitted the mantle and the stove. The stove was another £470 on top. The money was well spent, our gas bills have plummeted and we have a friend who keeps us in wood so costs for that are minimal. We are based in the Midlands and the fitter came from Worcestershire. He was HETAS registered and when he was done, he gave us forms to fill in and send off to the council to register it. If you do get your DH to do it then you will need someone HETAS registered to sign it off as well as building control. Also, if the fire you want is more than 5kw then you need to have vents fitted.