Chimney and Fireplace are Done

Progress!  Fireplace and chimney are now complete.  There is a ton (probably two tons) of cinder blocks, mortar, concrete, brick and rebar sitting at the foundation of this structure -- this thing will never move again.

Check out the before pictures here and then it's:

Picture time!

Under Construction.

That little black rectangle in the fire box is the fireplace vent. On the other side of that black handle, is a small hole in the side of the chimney. If there's not enough oxygen going to the fire or there's too much smoke, you can pull that little handle and the fire will get more o2 and burn hotter/better/brighter.  Not a problem right now because the house is a sieve.

She's a brick.  house.

Temporary shoring while they jacked up the house.

The "used" bricks are actually new bricks that are put
 in a tumbler and distressed  to look used.

New foundation.

This is what leveled out the living room.

large.

One thing that isn't pictured is what is holding the chimney onto the house.   There are metal straps that are secured to the wood structure of the attic that make sure there's no movement or tipping over.

in charge.

finis.

Soon, we'll strip the paint and stain the original wood mantle and put it back on the brick hearth.  Same with the two smaller mantles on either side.