Having just finished DIY remodling ofour basement, here is tue order I would do it:

Remove drywall above fireplace.

Make sure framing is good enough to support the TV, run wires.

Repair drywall, paint, etc

Install mantel.

Install TV mount

Install TV.

Of course, I am not an expert so perhaps I am wrong but that order makes the most sense to me.

Hi. Does anyone have any recommendations for someone that can build a mantel over our fireplace? Is that just a handyman that does that, and what kind of cost would we be looking at? Ideally we'd like to hang a big TV over the fireplace (know there's different opinions out there on this, but it's what we've decided). Is it the same person who can help us with that, or will we also need an electrician? There is no outlet, to our knowledge, around that area but there are sconces so the electrical wiring must be there. And if an electrician is needed, what's the right order of how to do things (build mantel, figure out wiring, then get handyman back to hang TV or??). Thanks!