Mendota FV33i – Is $932 for a “custom” surround reasonable?

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CocoaBeast

New Member
Jun 9, 2025
2
Connecticut
I'm getting quotes for a Mendota Model FV33i.
The dealer says the stock 27 × 40 surround (fits Narrow Grace front) must be factory-trimmed to 39″ wide for my opening.
Quote: $932.
I’ve heard Mendota’s shear-cut up-charge is usually ~$150–$200 over the $483 stock panel (so $600–$700 total).
Anyone recently pay for a factory-trimmed surround?
Does $900+ make sense for trimming just 1″ off the width?
 
Seems excessive. When I worked in a hearth shop we modified them in house in a couple of hours, which included welding & painting…
 
I thought so too. The fireplace insert estimate, including installation, is $10,470. I also pay $2,400 to the propane company to run a gas line, and I’m waiting on an estimate from the electrician. It will probably be $13,500 altogether.

Another company is coming in at around 9,000, so a total of $11,600 if you include the propane and electricity. That’s $2k less.

Is it normal for dealers’ prices to vary that widely?
 
Dealer prices vary based on their overhead costs. The location & size of the shop/warehouse, the number of employees & the size of the installation & service fleets all have to be calculated into the hourly rates they charge…
 
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