Crappy fireplace with log burner (photo included) - is this quote to improve it realistic?

[hmcAsWas]

"reduce height of the chamber, build with brick arch, lay brick around the chamber to match existing bricks and refit stove. Plaster where needed over arch" £2,760 inc VAT. Fair price?

Seems quite a lot but perhaps its a lot of work...?

Thanks hmc

There are definitely bargains to be had on eBay - that one Manatee has linked to is great - we paid £200 for the one in my previous pic, including the services of a courier to collect it. Recently whilst surfing eBay we found a large Arts & Crafts stylee one for this house - perfect as it's for the Arts & Crafts extension - for only £50. We collected it ourselves and brought it back strapped to the Land Rover roof!

Some of the ideas/pics above from MNetters' homes are fab - I especially love the second one Laurie posted and Manatee's - and I'm sure you could get yours looking as lovely for way less than that quote.....

That one is really attractive OTheHuge

Yes, the ideas and pics are great Raphaella - I am hugely appreciative of everyones suggestions, and I certainly won't be taking up the quote that I received!

One of mine was high like that, we went with a cast iron rail to support the bottom of soldier bricks, like the Victorians would have used. Cost of bricks and rail from a reclaim place plus £105 to the bricklayer.

Oh I love the last one Manatee posted.....I might be tempted by that myself if we needed another

Here's the one we got for 50 quid. We wanted a painted one to match with the window seat in the room so it was perfect - it's not fitted yet as DH is too lazy laid up with man flu - but still not such a bargain as the one we got from a closing reclamation yard in Dorset for £10!!!

You lot are so resourceful!

Seems a little bit expensive to me. We've had two done, at a cost of £2100 and £2500 but we have very high ceilings (5metres?) so there was a lot of flue and insulation involved.