I MAY build a new house next year. I am looking at a 3500 sq. ft. house. If build, I would use 2X6 studs and use closed foam because you then you get an R-39 in the walls vs. bats of an R-19. I will add about an R-50 minimum in the ceilings
Now as the fireplace. I currently use an Avalon Olympic 1190 Insert. My dad built it in the 1960’s and it has a brick fireplace. The new ones are built as a free standing fireplace. I may look at a new Perfect Insert. I am 62 and I want the option if get old to use wood, I can change to gas.
The question is – does it matter if you use a free standing or masonry? I think the price for a new masonry fireplace would cost about $8,000.00 more than a free standing unit but – I would really care only about the extra price if the insert works the same or not.
Thanks, Robert
Now as the fireplace. I currently use an Avalon Olympic 1190 Insert. My dad built it in the 1960’s and it has a brick fireplace. The new ones are built as a free standing fireplace. I may look at a new Perfect Insert. I am 62 and I want the option if get old to use wood, I can change to gas.
The question is – does it matter if you use a free standing or masonry? I think the price for a new masonry fireplace would cost about $8,000.00 more than a free standing unit but – I would really care only about the extra price if the insert works the same or not.
Thanks, Robert