My husband and I recently bought our first home, and we're looking to hang our TV above the fireplace without having to strain our necks. We're not really handy ourselves, so we're considering hiring someone to handle the removal of the current mounting and to lower the wooden mantel. The fireplace is made of stone, so we might even want help taking down some of that stone to lower the mantel even more. Who should we hire for this job? Should we go with a carpenter, a general handyman, or someone else?
3 Answers
You might want to think about the safety of lowering your mantel. There are specific distance requirements between the fireplace and the mantel's bottom for safety reasons. If your fireplace isn’t prefabricated, check the manufacturer's guidelines for those measurements. Since stonework can be tricky, a stone mason is likely your best bet if you're planning to remove stone. If it's just a simple mount fix, a handyman could do the job too. Start by calling a few local professionals to discuss your project! Asking neighbors for recommendations can also lead you to someone reliable.
Instead of all that hassle, have you thought about getting a specialized TV mount that drops down? It might save you from removing the mantel or stone, plus it’s pretty neat! My son got a manual one that works wonderfully. Just a thought!
Be cautious—lowering the wood mantel could lead to fire hazards. Keep in mind that wood should have certain clearance above the fireplace to prevent any fire risks. That said, it's essential to check safety codes before making any changes.