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We are getting estimates on a putting in a wood burning fireplace for our living room and would like to see if any readers have advice on our two scenerios. We live in Ditmas Park in a 100 year old wood frame. All fireplaces were removed in the 1950′s. Currently, one of the two originally flues still exists but houses our heating pipes and acts as a flue for our steam boiler. Originally the chimney had two flues only one remains. We’ve gotten two estimates to rebuild a fireplace and both companies suggested moving the plumbing outside the house into a stainless steel housing to free up the flue for the wood burning fireplace. My gut is telling me that I shouldn’t mess with the old steam pipes for our heating. The numbers come in around 10,000 to 14,000. which includes moving the plumbing and rebuilding a fireplace. The other idea is to leave the old flue as is and poke a hole through the wall and run a new chimney, probably made of stainless steel, up the side of the house. Has anyone ever done this? The chimney guys say that it might be a red flag if we ever try and sell the house and are discouraging of the idea. I sort of don’t trust their advice, since they probably would prefer the more expensive route of restoring the original chimney. I just wanted to hear the thoughts and experiences of other homeowners who aren’t financially vested in our decision. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!