DIY Wood Stove install questions....

[okross]

Greetings from a Wood stove newbie!

Looks like this forum is the right place for stove/heating questions. GREAT SITE!

Recently a friend gave me a Waterford Erin wood stove and I would like to install it myself... if possible.
I do most of my house/car projects on my own and feel that I can get this stove installed as well.

My house was built in 1970 and the previous owner only had a handful of fires in the fireplace.
The stove is going in an unfinished basement, on concrete floor, exhausting out the back vent of the stove and up the chimney.

My chimney is about 20' and easily accessible. I understand that I need to get a chimney liner kit installed that will
plumb into the back of the stove. I will be pulling a permit to do this work and wanted to get some feedback from this forum
on my install.

Is this DIY install or should I pay a general contractor to install it?
Other than saving money what is the benefit to using a GC?
I know every town is different but why do I have to pull a permit if I install it myself? Insurance reasons?

Thanks =)

 

[begreen]

Welcome. Yes, many people here have pulled their own liners. Whether this is good for you, depends on basic construction skills, patience, safety and thoroughness and not being afraid to get a bit dirty. It also helps if you are comfortable working at heights for a little while.

Before you start, have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected for flaws. Get a condition report and the size of the tiles (if there are any) in the current chimney. You could ask the sweep about liner installation too.

The Erin is a nice little stove, but you should not expect miracles in an uninsulated basement. 25% or more of the heat generated will get sucked right out the walls. But, it will be better than nothing and maybe later it can migrate upstairs. Install a key damper in the chimney connector for better control.

 

[r_d_gard]

did everything myself. Liner, Hearth, Stove connection, the lot.

Had to split the wood myself as well.

Take before,during and after pictures for posting here.

Yes, the purpose is insurance reasons for pulling a permit. It's nice to have the inspector look at it as well as a second set of eyes

 

[soupy1957]

[quote author="okross" date="1289432584"]Greetings from a Wood stove newbie!

"Looks like this forum is the right place for stove/heating questions. GREAT SITE!..................The stove is going in an unfinished basement Are you SURE you want your stove in the "basement?" Do you spend most of your time there? .................Is this DIY install or should I pay a general contractor to install it? If you are confident that you can install the stove "to Code," go for it!
Other than saving money what is the benefit to using a GC? I think of our GC (a specialist in wood/pellet stove installations) as part of our "team," working with us, to ensure a quality install and maintainance program.
I know every town is different but why do I have to pull a permit if I install it myself? It is customarily required to have a permit for any home modification, but local laws apply. . Insurance reasons? Please note that your Insurance company will often waive the questionare they typically require be filled out (that they usually require of DIY'ers) when the stove is installed by a "Professional" group, and your Insurance rate (at least in OUR case) should not be as "steep" a jump, when the stove in "Professionally" installed.


-Soupy1957

 

[okross]

BeGreen...
"depends on basic construction skills, patience, safety and thoroughness and not being afraid to get a bit dirty. It also helps if you are comfortable working at heights for a little while"
--I used to be a slate & copper roofer in a previous life. Getting dirty and high are fine. High = being on the roof =)

"professionally cleaned and inspected for flaws. Get a condition report"
--Good idea. Ill start getting some quotes.

"but you should not expect miracles in an uninsulated basement"
--Forgot to mention that the house is a split level ranch. The basement is 1/2 insulated/drywalled and 1/2 exposed foundation wall.


rayza
I look forward to splitting the wood and Ill try to grab some pics.

soupy1957
We do plan on spending time in our basement. The house is only 2 levels and the previous owner never framed out the basement. We plan on using it as a shop, game room, laundry, storage... utility area.. etc.

Thanks for all the replys!. I will contact my insurance company and pull a permit. Anyone recommend a chimney sweep/inspector in the Eastern Massachusetts area?

THANKS!