Fireplaces and chimneys installed together in Vineland

Weight, time and the case for each type

A masonry fireplace and chimney weigh many times what a factory-built system does, need a footing and are built course by course over days. A factory-built fireplace is framed in, can sit on a combustible floor where its manual allows, and goes in faster.

Neither is automatically better. We lay out the trade-offs for your house and the look you want, including what each type means for the floor, the roof and the schedule, and we recommend the one that suits the project.

Adjusting the framing for a replacement unit

A replacement fireplace rarely has exactly the same framed opening, standoffs and cavity depth as the one it replaces. The new manual's table decides the opening, and the framing is adjusted to it.

We measure the old opening against the new unit's requirements and write any reframing into the estimate. It is usually modest work, a few studs and a new header, and it is far better than forcing a unit into a cavity built for a different model and losing the air space the listing depends on.

How a fireplace installation estimate should read

A clear fireplace estimate separates the fireplace unit, the chimney system and its roof parts, the framing or chase, the hearth extension, the face finish, removal of any old unit, the outside air supply, permit fees and any electrical work by an electrician.

Every line carries upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you can compare our proposal fairly and see exactly where the money goes. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and 10% off is applied right on the estimate.

• Fireplace model and accessories from its manual
• Chimney sections, firestops, shield and cap
• Framing, chase and roof opening
• Hearth extension and face finish
• Removal of the old unit
• Permit and inspection coordination

Manufacturer warranty and our workmanship warranty

Fireplace makers tie their warranties to installation according to the manual, and the E-series manual notes that accessories not tested with the unit could void it. The product warranty and the installation are separate questions, and both matter to you.

Our workmanship warranty covers the work we perform, and installing to the manual protects the maker's warranty on the fireplace itself. At handover we explain which conditions apply to each, so nothing you do later cancels either one by accident.