hi i'm bill ramer from restoration resources we're an architectural salvage company here in boston we've been in business for 25 years we buy and sell architectural salvage some great pieces from the greater boston area and all over new england so today we're going to give you some tips about buying architectural salvage there are a few things you should know when you're going into a salvage company that will help you out wooden antique fireplace mantels is an item that all salvage companies have but what you want to be careful of is that you have to check to find the opening of the wooden mantle the fire box which is the part where the fire goes you have to have a certain amount of space between the edge of the firebox on all three sides to meet the code issues so you want to be careful now take careful measurements of the firebox opening and make sure you have enough space around you might want to check with the local building codes you