Many people want a fireplace, but not everybody has a home that comes with one. It’s possible to install a fireplace, and the most popular option is installing a gas fireplace.
Installing a gas fireplace isn’t for the uninitiated, but rather a job that’s strictly for professionals. It’s certainly not a do-it-yourself project, and here are the reasons why.
Fireplace Design Considerations
You may think you know what kind of gas fireplace you want. They come in various sizes and styles. They have modern models, classic styles, custom designs, and fusions available.
Unfortunately, just because you choose the model that you like, it doesn’t mean that your home or space can accommodate it. Much like any other HVAC system, your fireplace has to be the right size for your space.
Because you can install a gas fireplace virtually anywhere, it’s easy to start thinking that you should have one in exotic locations. While it’s possible to have one wherever you want, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, it’s not always feasible. You can create an expensive mistake by starting the project without understanding how you need to install it, vent it, and size it
The Time and Complexity Involved
A gas fireplace installation is a time consuming and complex process. Here’s a few things you should be familiar with if you intend to do it yourself.
- Venting and piping methods
- Running gas lines
- Framing
- Drywall teardown and setup
- A working knowledge of carpentry
- Some electrical knowledge (for automated features)
You will also need the proper tools associated with each of those things. Beyond that, you will need to know if you’re even allowed to install a gas fireplace in your home.
You will have to check and see what your homeowner’s insurance says about it, and you will also need to find out if there are any building permits required.
Divvying Up the Duties
One possible way to go about building your gas fireplace is to do as much as you can yourself, and hire contractors for the things you can’t do. For example, you can frame, order the parts, cut out the wall section, and pull over an electrical line.
However, you will need an electrician to sheathe or reroute the power line, and you will need a plumber to make sure the piping is sound. This plumber will also need to plan the gas route to the fireplace, as well as the route the exhaust will take to vent.
You will also need to consult with all of your home’s internal systems. Installing a gas fireplace requires you to have a far more intimate understanding of your house’s support structure than most people have. In the end, doing it this way can cost you a lot more money than if you had either done it all yourself, or used a service that could have do it all for you.
Call the Professionals
The best option for you is to hire a professional service that can take care of the entire installation. There are many reasons you should let an expert handle the installation.
- Start to finish install
- Quicker and cleaner
- One price for all aspects of the job
- Clean up
- Maintenance
- Warranties
You can have the gas fireplace you’ve always wanted in a shorter time. In addition, you will have a warranty on the equipment as well as the labor. This is important for the longevity of your fireplace. Most importantly, it’s safer to let the professionals handle your gas fireplace installation.
If you want to install a gas fireplace, the first thing you should do is contact Climate Experts for more information and a free estimate.
