$2499. Harman Oakwood - Actual cost $5200.

[dylskee]

I had a thread going about moving my wood stove and after finding a few problems with the stove we decided to replace it. I've been looking at different stoves for a while and I was going to stick with a catalytic stove but after looking at the Harman Oakwood I fell in love with that stove! So we took a ride to a local stove store today that was advertising $100.00 off Harman products, perfect.......

So I told the salesman I wanted to replace my existing stove with the Oakwood, he said "No Problem" and started punching away at his keyboard. Took down all my info I explained that I already had a working stove and a steel chimney. He printed out the sales order and @!%$#$#!%! Are you kidding me?? I thought he typed the quantity as two stoves! After looking at the sales order I told him again that we have a chimney already in place and it's fully functional, he said his installer would come out and decide what he needs and doesn't need on the list and he'll adjust the price after that. I told him I was getting another quote and thanks for your time........ Is this what stove companies charge for this stuff, is this normal practice? I'm not looking for a new install here, this is slapping a stove in place and connecting a 60" pipe to the chimney. The first price came in at $5600.00 and when he saw me throw up he took off a few things and reprinted the new and improved price of $5200.00!

 

[BrowningBAR]

Well, you are at $2,800 for the stove and $2,100 for the install. Install seems a little high, but nothing alarming.

I'm not looking for a new install here, this is slapping a stove in place and connecting a 60" pipe to the chimney.

Does your chimney already have a liner? because based on that install breakdown it seems to be a little more than just "slapping a stove in place."

 

[dylskee]

Well, you are at $2,800 for the stove and $2,100 for the install. Install seems a little high, but nothing alarming.


Does your chimney already have a liner? because based on that install breakdown it seems to be a little more than just "slapping a stove in place."

The wood stove has it's own chimney that was installed for the stove when the previous owners installed it. I see 30° elbow pipe on the quote, it's just a straight shot from the stove to the existing pipe. Don't get me wrong, I understand that they will have to inspect my current chimney before the install but this quote has evrything on it that is already here and worked perfectly already. I don't mind paying the installers the price they need to make it safe but damn, I wasn't expecting this!
Here's the chimney from the outside......

 

[BrowningBAR]

The wood stove has it's own chimney that was installed for the stove when the previous owners installed it. I see 30° elbow pipe on the quote, it's just a straight shot from the stove to the existing pipe. Don't get me wrong, I understand that they will have to inspect my current chimney before the install but this quote has evrything on it that is already here and worked perfectly already. I don't mind paying the installers the price they need to make it safe but damn, I wasn't expecting this!
Here's the chimney from the outside......
View attachment 72993

Then you might be better off buying the stove and having a chimney sweep come in and give you an estimated cost to hook up the stove. Most chimney sweeps will evaluate the chimney without charging you for it. Just be prepared that if your current setup needs to be replaced for whatever reason, that it will be about $2,000 to have it done professionally. Maybe less, but that is a good number to plan on if you have a new install done.

 

[dylskee]

Then you might be better off buying the stove and having a chimney sweep come in and give you an estimated cost to hook up the stove. Most chimney sweeps will evaluate the chimney without charging you for it. Just be prepared that if your current setup needs to be replaced for whatever reason, that it will be about $2,000 to have it done professionally. Maybe less, but that is a good number to plan on if you have a new install done.

Okay, thanks for your replies BrowningBAR. Is there any reason why the chimney wouldn't be good for the new stove?

 

[Treacherous]

Wow!! My install only cost $480.

 

[BrotherBart]

Tell him to get out there and see what is needed and give you a firm quote.

 

[webbie]

That quote includes a chimney.......

Maybe this guy is an idiot. He should be able to send a dude out there and see if your chimney is OK or if it need relining. etc.

 

[dylskee]

That quote includes a chimney.......

Maybe this guy is an idiot. He should be able to send a dude out there and see if your chimney is OK or if it need relining. etc.

I know, thats exactly what I said! I have a friggin chimney man! But he wanted me to put a down payment of half of the $5200. and then they would settle up the cash. I have another place I'm calling Tuesday morning, The Stove Place in Shrewsbury. They also carry Harman stoves so I'll see what they can do for me.

 

[rdust]

As others have said it's a bs quote with a chimney install. You need to get a firm quote, no reason to panic.

Buy the stove have a couple friends stop by and get it installed. I couldn't imagine paying to have someone install my stove for anything more than pizza and beer! Have the chimney inspected if everything is good install it yourself and save a bundle.

 

[PapaDave]

A big clue is the silicone cartridge @ over $14.
I would expect a markup, but that's nuts.
I also see 2 flashings, one 8" and one 6". The guy maybe used an online estimator or one on his computer because he wasn't listening to you. Go elsewhere.
But, that's just me. I have no tolerance for this kind of crap and it's why I do everything myself if possible.
I got my whole kit for about $350 and the 22 gauge welded stove pipe was less than $100.
Sorry, rant off.

 

[weatherguy]

Dylskee, I see your in my area, is that from a place in Worc? If it is you should do better in Shrewsbury, if not let me know I know another place close by.

 

[dylskee]

Dylskee, I see your in my area, is that from a place in Worc? If it is you should do better in Shrewsbury, if not let me know I know another place close by.

No it was the place in Barre. I was going to The Stove Place but they are closed all weekend for the holiday. I'll be there Tuesday that's for sure. Let me know of any other places around, not a lot to choose from.

 

[btuser]

A big clue is the silicone cartridge @ over $14.
I would expect a markup, but that's nuts.
I also see 2 flashings, one 8" and one 6". The guy maybe used an online estimator or one on his computer because he wasn't listening to you. Go elsewhere.
But, that's just me. I have no tolerance for this kind of crap and it's why I do everything myself if possible.
I got my whole kit for about $350 and the 22 gauge welded stove pipe was less than $100.
Sorry, rant off.

I saw the same thing. I also cringed at the $110 charge for "chimney evaluation" when he's obviously planning on installing a brand new chimney.

 

[Motor7]

The problem I see is that if you agree to what he has in writing now, your pooched. They most likely will say, "Oh yeah, you flue pipe is no good...must replace. Get a proper evaluation of you existing flue before doing anything or it will just be a big (broken image removed)

 

[dylskee]

The problem I see is that if you agree to what he has in writing now, your pooched. They most likely will say, "Oh yeah, you flue pipe is no good...must replace. Get a proper evaluation of you existing flue before doing anything or it will just be a big (broken image removed)

Yeah luckily I didn't sign anything, I just left. I will call a chimney sweep and get an evaluation and see what they say.

 

[dylskee]

A friend of mine recommended a chimney company for me and he is coming out tomorrow morning to evaluate and clean my chimney for me. I also got a great price on the stove from The stove Place and the delivery and install is half the price I got from Higgins! I should have some solid numbers by Friday and hopefully get this beauty installed soon!

 

[PapaDave]

Good news!
Half price, eh.
This is getting more interesting.

 

[begreen]

It's after Labor Day. Let the silly season begin.

 

[dylskee]

Well the chimney company said my current setup is in perfect working order so that was good news! I will probably just have to buy about 4 ft. of pipe to connect to the new stove. My only concern now is how much of a hearth and surround I need for the Oakwood? I am planning on buying the heat shields for both the bottom and back of the stove.

The chimney guy that was here today asked if I've considered a pellet stove and I really haven't until now. He has a harman pellet stove and he loves it. One reason I would consider this is it would require a lot less of a hearth and surround which would save me money considering I spending most of it on the stove. Have any of you wood burning guys made the switch to pellets or considered it? Would I still get the heat I would from a wood stove?

 

[weatherguy]

Well the chimney company said my current setup is in perfect working order so that was good news! I will probably just have to buy about 4 ft. of pipe to connect to the new stove. My only concern now is how much of a hearth and surround I need for the Oakwood? I am planning on buying the heat shields for both the bottom and back of the stove.

The chimney guy that was here today asked if I've considered a pellet stove and I really haven't until now. He has a harman pellet stove and he loves it. One reason I would consider this is it would require a lot less of a hearth and surround which would save me money considering I spending most of it on the stove. Have any of you wood burning guys made the switch to pellets or considered it? Would I still get the heat I would from a wood stove?

I switched from pellets to wood, a couple of reasons, pellets are more expensive even if your paying full price for cordword, Ive got most of my wood free of very cheap so Im saving even more, second I love cutting and splitting and stacking wood. Pellets are easier but you have to clean to stoves of ash quite often. I had to do mine twice a week. Pellets are still cheaper than oil but one year pellets were scarce and were pretty expensive I think burning oil was about the same as burning pellets that year, not sure if that situation will happen again but I dont ever have to worry about that problem with wood, I can always find wood.

 

[Pallet Pete]

Well the chimney company said my current setup is in perfect working order so that was good news! I will probably just have to buy about 4 ft. of pipe to connect to the new stove. My only concern now is how much of a hearth and surround I need for the Oakwood? I am planning on buying the heat shields for both the bottom and back of the stove.

The chimney guy that was here today asked if I've considered a pellet stove and I really haven't until now. He has a harman pellet stove and he loves it. One reason I would consider this is it would require a lot less of a hearth and surround which would save me money considering I spending most of it on the stove. Have any of you wood burning guys made the switch to pellets or considered it? Would I still get the heat I would from a wood stove?

You would still get good heat and burn times however the cost and availability of pellets varies so much that it was not worth it to us. Wood is everywhere and much cheaper ! The look and feel of wood heat is far better as well ( that's my biast opinion ) lol. Trying to justify either in your mind really is what works the best for you do you have ready access to pellets cheap or wood cheap ? Do you want to load a wood stove or pour pellets in ? Are you ok with the cost difference of the more expensive of the two for you ? Yes this too is important which do you like the look of better ? I will say to be cautious with harman customer service and dealers ! Shop around for a good one even if it's out of the way. We sold our tl300 because there service at the dealer was terrible and Harmans is non existent ( no warrenty coverage without a massive fight ). That can be remedied with a good dealer though and there are many happy Harman users to prove it. The Oakwood is a very nice stove for sure.

Pete

 

[murawski]

I agree with pallet pete
I also got rid of my Harman TL300 for similiar reasons.
I bought a Blaze King Princess and could not be happer
bottom line stove does what they say it will do

 

[dylskee]

What kind of warranty issues were you guys having with the stove? I thought harman was a great stove? It gets real good reviews online from what I've read in the past few months.

 

[rdust]

What kind of warranty issues were you guys having with the stove? I thought harman was a great stove? It gets real good reviews online from what I've read in the past few months.

We have some Harman users that love their stoves. I'm not familiar with their complete line up of stoves is the oakwood also downdraft stove? It seems those are a little more difficult to operate correctly than the standard "tube" type stoves.