Fireplace Install -Am I Crazy?

[VTBen]

Hi all,

New to this forum and appreciate the advice it's already given.

Here's my question. I've been looking to replace/re-work/fix a Majestic double-sided fireplace in a house I just purchased. After looking at inserts, hearthmounts, replacement fireplaces, etc., I've pretty much decided on the Supreme Opus. It seems to get good reviews, heats well, and maintains the double-sided feature.

As part of this I'm going to be ripping apart my existing mantle, but I don't see any way around that. So be it.

New from the local shop the fireplace costs about $4k. I've found a place on line that is trying to get rid of stock and selling new, unopened units for about $1800.

I would love to save that $2200 but it would also mean that I wouldn't be able to get the local shop to install it. I'm thinking I could get a chimney guy to install the necessary upgraded chimney. And since I was going to do all of the framing myself (I'm an experienced carpenter) I'm wondering if I couldn't just do the rest of the install myself? Is there anything more to installing something like this besides placing the unit in the opening, hooking up the chimney and the air supply, and then connecting the electrical? (Which I can also do.)

Thanks. Want to make sure I'm not getting into something that's deeper than I expect.

Ben

 

[StihlHead]

Well, that is one way to go. Personally I would rebuild the hearth as a Russian style fireplace and forget the expensive inserts. In this state that would also be exempt from all the EPA stove requirements and bypass the need for pulling permits.

Having installed several inserts myself, they are not that hard for someone with experience with carpentry and electrical. You will likely need to have some metal flashing made up and a lot of high temp calking. The chimney may need to have a liner installed (local code dependent) and you may need an OAK. Again, local code dependent.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

You probably are crazy for wanting to do it, and there will undoubtedly be something unexpected that you will find when you open up the wall. At least that's how my projects have always gone.

That said, if you are an experienced carpenter I don't see why you can't do it or where you wouldn't have the abilities. I'd start looking at the project by downloading a manual for the fireplace that will tell you exactly what the requirements of it are. If you still want to tackle the project call your favorite building inspector and find out what he wants to see. Sometimes they want to see something not in the requirements.

Matt

 

[webby3650]

Well, that is one way to go. Personally I would rebuild the hearth as a Russian style fireplace and forget the expensive inserts. In this state that would also be exempt from all the EPA stove requirements and bypass the need for pulling permits.

Having installed several inserts myself, they are not that hard for someone with experience with carpentry and electrical. You will likely need to have some metal flashing made up and a lot of high temp calking. The chimney may need to have a liner installed (local code dependent) and you may need an OAK. Again, local code dependent.

What he is looking at is not any old traditional insert, it's a High Efficiency heater.

 

[VTBen]

Thanks guys,

Been thinking about it over the weekend and may just bite the bullet and have the store do it, even if I can't save the extra cash. Would be nice but too many questions around warrantee, how my insurance company would view my having installed it if the house burned down, etc. May not be worth it in the long run.

Ben

 

[Bigfoot]

Or it may be worth it mr. carpenter.... I too am a carpenter & only dream of doing this at home (not ready to pull the trigger) only I have a regular open fireplace.......
Just think of how many weeks/days it takes to make $2200 AFTER Taxes/health insurrance. The inspector will make sure its done right & sign his good name to back it up.
I know what you mean though, its easier to have someone that does it everyday just do it, less thinking on your part but then again, to me its giving away that extra cash that can be used on something better like shop tools or just simply saving it for a rainy day. If you are charging the bill on credit then yes its worth it to do your self. It may end up being 5k if something comes up and there is a back charge or unforseen minor issue. If its only money, you're too busy or cant handle the pressure then yes, maybe have a pro do it.
Just thinking out loud here, hope this helps.......

reread original post,
It cant hurt to poke around & try to see if its easy to do, first. 4k from a shop pluss install rather then 2k.online and install.... Thats a tough one... could cost alot if installed by a shop but either way any double fireplace is beautiful, your one lucky fella and I bet nice fireplace...
any images???

 

[webby3650]

Supreme had some trouble with their air control, these discounted units likely have the old faulty control on them. You likely won't know for sure until it fails on you. Who will replace the part for you? Service is something that you really need to think about.

 

[VTBen]

Supreme had some trouble with their air control, these discounted units likely have the old faulty control on them. You likely won't know for sure until it fails on you. Who will replace the part for you? Service is something that you really need to think about.

Good to know. Thanks.