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Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

Yes, you can put a freestanding one in a corner if you’re tight on space. Because pellet stoves don’t get as hot as other types of wood stoves, there only needs to be 3 inches of clearance from the wall on each side. Placing it in a corner should not impact the ventilation—you’ll still need to follow safety precautions by not installing too close to a window. Typically, it’s 4 feet from a window or 18 inches if the stove uses an external air source for combustion. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi’s licensing lookup tool to confirm that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don’t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor’s license. It’s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.

To burn garden waste, you can use a dug-out burn pit lined with stone or brick, a burn barrel, or a garden incinerator. If using a burn barrel, make sure it's made entirely of metal and properly equipped with screened vents and a metal top screen. Garden incinerators are designed for waste burning and should be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.