The first major project in the house is underway, repairing our broken chimney. Since moving into the house we have not been able to use the fireplace as there was a crack in the chimney found during the inspection. The issue was blamed on the previous owner having fires that were too hot. After finding a reputable company, Mr Chimney, it turns out that this is most likely damage from the 1989 earthquake.

The repairs consist of demolishing the old chimney down to the shoulder (where it widens just below the roofline) adding reenforcing bars that not only give it strength but also attach it firmly top the house. Then rebuilding the top part, replacing and pointing the bottom and for good measure a new set of sweep doors, stack and vent. Of course, this being California there are inspections to be made by local government, for which they charge over $400. It turns out that San Jose still let’s you rebuild a chimney to have a wood burning fire and some other areas do not.

Hopefully, all this should be finished within the week.