[Auntslappy]

We are in the negotiation process of buying a home that has a fireplace with a damaged firebox. This was determined by our chimney inspector. The seller has told us that he is only willing to put in a wood burning insert. Which is fine with us as long as it is a safe option. His statement included that he would get the necessary permits and approvals to get this done.

How can I know that this is a safe option? Would a building inspector determine if this is a safe option? Would it depend upon how badly the firebox is damaged to determine if this a feasible option to replacing the firebox?

Thanks for your help, we are first time buyers and only learned about two weeks ago what a firebox even is!!

[labman]

Find out if the local building department will be inspecting the job. They shouldn't approve it unless it is safe. No job is safe if not done right.

[ballengerb1]

Have you considered having a mason give you an estimate to repair the damaged firebox? It could actually be chaeper and better than an insert. I'd give it some thought.

[glavine]

That is what the inspectors are for, the builder must be within code to pass, so if it is being inspected , yes it will be safe