Pics of the install prep

Attaching some pics of the prep for the install......hope this works....first time posting pics.

I almost hate to tear this fireplace apart but it's worth it. Photo one (wherever it shows up) is the original. Next photos show slow slow taking apart of the trim. House is 80 years old. I learned from rebuilding casement window frames that the trim splits like a knife through hot butter. Last photo has some of the tile lined up to see what it will look like. Planning to install the Hamptin insert tomorrow. It will be a very tight fit but WILL work. Of course, all the artistes in the family showed up today to "assist".

I rebuilt the balcony this year and reshingled the garage but this is the project that's turning my crank.

Getting closer. Hearth guts are in, face is getting there. Liner in. Insulation and block off plate. Inspection coming up. Then the final install, and tiling. It will be getting hot in here soon. OOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHHH.

Inspector was by yesterday and closed the permit, no concerns. it wasn't too long after that the new unit was running. Will have to shut it down to do the tiling this weekend but had to have that first fire. Cubic feet of gas consumed yesterday = 2. Temp in the living room after a while = 79F. Better half came downstairs this morning and said OOOOH it's warm in here.

Now I want some thermometers for around the house!

Pics show the first minute and after some burning. Keeping the temp low during burn in.

Thank you. Not done yet and no changes until the tiling's done.

I love how fire draws us. The family sat in the living room last night and just shot the breeze looking at the firebox surrounded by Durock. It could have been surrounded by anything and we'd still be there. Primal heat. The whole process started in Sep 2005 just after Katrina. Words can't describe that. To the point, fuel prices were predicted to skyrocket and they did. Both the hydro and gas bills were out of sight. I looked at the Hampton insert that month and found it wouldn't fit, not deep enough. So the search began. I believe in go big or go home but there's no way the Summit insert would fit either (stay calm WH and Roo). Looked at the Kennebec / Tamarack and the Clydesdale / Mansfield not to mention severl glances at VC, Osburne, and Napoleon. Had already decided on a non-cat. Seemed simpler (don't jump cats).

On a side note, my family ran a fishing lodge in mid north Ontario through the 60s and 70s. Built of local stone and logs. Seven fireplaces and and a big a** old woodstove in the kitchen going back to the 20s. We ran that stove for heat too. Trying to say that like all of us, fire/wood/heat was always a part of the deal. As a kid we spent many a night around the fireplace. Back to now... family was sitting around the living room. Kind of like the old days. Splits could have been burning on the living room floor ... I love how fire draws us.

So the search began in earnest last year. Gas bills were out of site. In the meantime we terminated two old fridges and the old freezer, converted to 100% CFLs. Monitored the hydro consumption and brought that bill under control. Shut off means shut off.

I know I'm rambling but there's a point. Will get to that. My only choices were mini-fireboxes. They work but they're just TOO small. Dug up and read all the codes and standards. Even NFPA 211 that doesn't apply here. Talked to dealers. Talked to masons, installers, and the local building department. Even talked to a home builder. Just what all is invoved here?

Talk about confusion between what is the right way to go and what I'm hearing. All I want is to keep to the gas bill down and get back to what I know is good....primal heat. Sitting around and enjoying with the family.

Then I found this forum one year later, Sep 06. A lot of things cleared up for me after reading one h*** of a lot of posts. We don't know each other but you all sure helped me out. Back to the first choice. Hampton was the right one for us and should deliver the heat. Looking at all the posts...yes the firebox can be modified, yes it can be done...just do it right.

And I'm back in the living room enjoying the heat with the family. Pretty soon it'll be Christmas.

Maybe the better half will put a Ryobi 4 ton splitter under the tree.

Good to be here. Thanks for all the info. Hope I can contribute.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I lived in MI for several years when the kids were all babies and we enjoyed many good Thanksgivings.

Will post some pics when all is done.

And the gas bill............ it's toast.