How to Hire a Fireplace Installer

Hiring a fireplace installer ensures the safe, efficient placement of your new favorite home feature

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  • Professional fireplace installation keeps your home safe by handling dangerous electrical and gas connections, venting requirements, and structural work that DIY attempts can compromise.

  • Typical costs range from $950 to $4,225 for fireplace installation, with wood-burning fireplaces reaching $2,180 and custom stone fireplaces costing $4,000 to $15,000.

  • Your fireplace choice depends on your home's structure, available fuel sources, and whether you prefer wood-burning, gas, electric, or outdoor fireplace options for your space.

  • Hiring a local masonry professional provides expert guidance on fireplace sizing and fuel selection while handling permits, building codes, and precise structural work for safe installation.

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Adding a fireplace to your home can instantly increase the cozy factor, but things will go sideways fast if you attempt to install it yourself. Instead, hire a local fireplace installer who is certified by the National Fireplace Institute, and make sure they specialize in the type of fireplace you envision for your home.

What Services Does a Fireplace Installer Offer?

You can hire a fireplace installer for both installation of a fireplace and ongoing maintenance. More specifically, professional fireplace installers can help you build and install:

  • Wood-burning fireplaces

  • Gas fireplaces

  • Electric fireplaces

  • Outdoor fireplaces

Pros can also connect or install gas lines and properly vent your fireplace. If you’re hoping to have a custom brick or stone fireplace built, you should hire a local mason.

Plus, the same company may offer ongoing maintenance, such as annual fireplace and chimney cleanings and inspections, structural repairs, and replacing broken components.

Can You DIY a Fireplace Installation?

You should hire a fireplace professional to install your fireplace, rather than attempt to build a fireplace yourself. Why?

  • Pros can recommend the right fuel and size for your fireplace.

  • Fireplace installers have specialized training and carry the right certifications.

  • Working with electric and gas can be dangerous; incorrectly connecting exhaust components could lead to an ongoing risk in your home.

  • Pros know the local building codes and can obtain the proper permits for you.

  • Building actual brick or stone fireplace structures is back-breaking work that requires precision, patience, and a lot of time.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Fireplace Installer?

The cost to install a fireplace runs from about $950 to $4,225. The type of fireplace is the biggest factor in determining the cost, both of the materials and the labor.

For example, hiring a fireplace installer to help with an electric fireplace panel might only cost $225 in labor costs, but expect to spend up to $2,180 for a fireplace contractor to install a wood-burning fireplace.

If you’re hiring a mason to build a stone fireplace, you could spend even more. The average cost of a stone fireplace is between $4,000 and $15,000, with labor costing roughly $50 to $100 per hour. Consult a local mason to get an accurate estimate based on the specifics of your project.

Tips for Hiring a Fireplace Installer

Ready to make your home feel more warm and cozy? Here are some helpful tips for hiring the best fireplace installer for the job.

1. Have a Clear Vision for Your Fireplace

Before getting professionals involved, research the different types of fireplaces to determine if you’d like a true wood-burning fireplace or a gas or electric option. You’ll also need to explore which options are possible for your home based on its structure, age, and size.

2. Ask for Recommendations and Read Reviews

If you have family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers who have had a fireplace installed, ask them about the contractor they used and whether they’d recommend them. You can also go online to read real customer reviews.

Don’t take negative customer reviews lightly. If a contractor is poorly reviewed, remove them from consideration. Use these reviews to create a short list of the best fireplace installers near you.

3. Interview Multiple Companies

We recommend talking with at least three different masons and getting quotes from each. Compare their price estimates and their schedules, and then decide which pro is the best fit for your budget and timeline.

The most important thing to ask during these interviews is if the installer is certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). Always prioritize hiring a fireplace installer who is NFI certified.

Questions to Ask a Fireplace Installer

To make sure a fireplace contractor is the right fit for your needs, ask the following questions:

  • Are you NFI certified, or do you carry any other certifications?

  • Are you licensed and insured?

  • Can you provide a list of references or provide samples of past fireplace installations you’ve done?

  • How quickly can you start the project, and how long do you expect it to take?

  • Do you obtain the permit on my behalf, and is the cost of the permit reflected in the estimate?

  • What kind of warranty do you offer for the fireplace installation?

  • If hiring someone to install a gas fireplace: Are you certified to install or connect a gas line?

Choosing the Right Fireplace Installer

A fireplace in empty living room
Andersen Ross / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Fireplaces bring a lot of warmth and comfort to your home, but they can also bring dangers—if incorrectly installed. To ensure proper installation, including structural integrity and correct ventilation, you should always hire an NFI-certified fireplace installer near you.

To find the best contractor for the job, remember to:

  • Get recommendations from trusted loved ones

  • Read reviews online

  • Ask about certifications, licenses, insurance, and warranty

  • Get at least three quotes from local fireplace installers

After Your Fireplace Installer Has Finished

Once your pro has finished, you’re ready to start enjoying that fireplace—but not so fast. There are a few quick things you need to do first:

  • The Burn-off: If you installed a gas fireplace, you’ll need to run it on high with windows open to remove manufacturing oils and dust. Your pro should tell you about this process, which can take 3 to 12 hours.

  • The Gradual Heat: If you had a wood-burning fireplace installed, your pro will likely recommend starting with a small fire, then a moderate fire, and then, finally, a third larger and hotter fire. This gradual usage helps break the fireplace in.

  • Testing: Even electric fireplaces need a small amount of testing before you safely use them. Run yours for a few minutes on various settings to make sure it works as expected.

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