Newbie here looking for some help. My wife and I doing a top to bottom remodeling of our 1960's built home in Mpls, MN. The house has an over-under masonry fireplace with openings in the basement and on the main level. Each opening is 18" deep + approx 4" for the brick veneer, 28" high, 37" wide at front and 32" wide at back. Both flues are clay lined 8" x 13" rectangular. The remodel of our home is a much more contemporary city look. I'm also an architect by profession and quite particular about the design. We want a flat look with floating hearth and mantle. Planning to either cover or replace the existing masonry with furring, cement board and stone tiles. Now trying to match a fireplace to that design. After visiting some local dealers we've more or less written off the N. American built inserts. This house is in the city, not the northwoods. I've spent some time searching hearth.com researching the more contemporary fireplaces available and am still left with some questions.
First off, local dealers have quoted $1200 + materials for a full insert install including chimney relining. I'm quite handy and would think this is something a DIY can tackle. Am I out of my league? Also, is removing existing dampers a difficult task? I haven't looked too close yet but am willing to get dirty to save $1200.
Second, for the contemporary look we are leaning towards the Wittus H530. Only real contemporary floor model we saw. However that model does not have a fan. Is that something to worry about? I do want to get functional heat out of this fireplace. Is there any way to add an aftermarket fan? The bigger Optifire model does have the fan but don't think it'll fit.
Third, I've heard different opinions on using outside air for combustion. We're putting all new windows and insulation in this house. It's getting tighter by the day. I can duct outside air if necessary. Thoughts?
Last, another model we liked from our research is the Morso 5660. This model does have an optional fan. Any plus or minus over the Wittus?
We appreciate any insight you might have.
First off, local dealers have quoted $1200 + materials for a full insert install including chimney relining. I'm quite handy and would think this is something a DIY can tackle. Am I out of my league? Also, is removing existing dampers a difficult task? I haven't looked too close yet but am willing to get dirty to save $1200.
Second, for the contemporary look we are leaning towards the Wittus H530. Only real contemporary floor model we saw. However that model does not have a fan. Is that something to worry about? I do want to get functional heat out of this fireplace. Is there any way to add an aftermarket fan? The bigger Optifire model does have the fan but don't think it'll fit.
Third, I've heard different opinions on using outside air for combustion. We're putting all new windows and insulation in this house. It's getting tighter by the day. I can duct outside air if necessary. Thoughts?
Last, another model we liked from our research is the Morso 5660. This model does have an optional fan. Any plus or minus over the Wittus?
We appreciate any insight you might have.
