Several Questions on Remodel

I'm planning to remodel the basement in my 90 year old house and have several questoins. Can anyone help?

1) I have one gas line running perpindicular to the floor joists. It would fit better between the joists. How much would it cost to have it re-routed?

2) Underneath the upstairs fireplace is some framing to support the fireplace. It is attached to the wall 3 feet below the ceiling and attached to the ceiling about 3 feet out from the wall. Can these be moved? Is there another way to support the fireplace?

3) I'd like to put in a built-in book shelf under some piping. Do I need to drywall the opening before putting the book shelf in? I was planning on building the book shelf with plywood.

Thanks for any help!

 

patrick1000,

Your questions are hard to answer as someone should look at what you have.

1. Don't know. It depends on how much needs to be moved and what materials are needed to alter it. In some cases, adding furring strips to existing bottom of joists is an alternative to any major plumbing revision. The key is to provide access to any shut off valves, electrical junction boxes, heat duct vent dampers if you are using drywall.

2. Simple answer is No. The framing is there to support a load that requires to support the fireplace. The thought of removing this or altering the framing to support with beams and posts may be costly as well as dangerous.

3. If you are wanting this to look good when done, then drywall, if that is your choice, should be done. then installing your bookshelf out of whatever material would be fine.

Hope this helps!