Get matched with top fireplace pros in Sebastopol, CA

Q: Are chimneys usually load-bearing?

• <div><p>The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.</p></div>

Q: Is a fireplace the same as a firepit or outdoor oven?

• <div><p>A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren&rsquo;t technically a fireplace as it isn&rsquo;t enclosed. An outdoor oven&mdash;commonly <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-outdoor-pizza-oven.htm">outdoor brick pizza ovens</a>&mdash;often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you&rsquo;d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a wood fireplace and a wood insert?

• <div><p>They&rsquo;re both <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-wood-burning-fireplace-options-heat-your-home.htm">types of wood-burning fireplaces</a>, but a wood fireplace is built directly into a wall and attached to a chimney. A built-in wood fireplace often has an open hearth, although some models have an enclosed hearth. On the other hand, a wood-burning fireplace insert is a self-contained box that slides into an existing fireplace opening.</p></div>

Q: How much does a fireplace add to home value?

• <div><p>A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.</p><p>However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if my chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed?

• <div><p>There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Sebastopol, CA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Sebastopol, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Sebastopol, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on December 31, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
He was able to order all the parts, bring them over and install an entire fireplace safely and securely… We have been very warm this winter and for many years we will be warm. He does our cleaning and inspections… His price is affordable and he’s amazing. He checked in with us all throughout the...
Curtis's Chimney Service - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in November 2024
We first hired Mark to tile our fireplace. We were so impressed with his work that we hired him to tile our kitchen and it looks amazing! Mark is a professional and itâ s clear heâ s been doing this for a long time. He is very precise. He uses techniques that produce an even, clean and...
MK Tile & Stone
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Reviewed in July 2021
There was a an issue with missing parts to the relocating and install of our fireplace that prevented the job completion. I was told that once the correct items were available he would return to finish it and that it would be quick to finish. Once I informed him that the pieces are ready his...
Secured Builders
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Reviewed in February 2018
Patterns & Tile Designs removed the old flooring from our living room & kitchen and then installed new matching tile in both rooms. They were prompt, friendly and efficient through out the project including working with our changing schedule due to issues with kitchen cabinet installation. ...
Patterns & Tile Designs
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Reviewed in July 2014
For the past three years, Will Morris, owner and operator of "Sweep For Hire," has come to my residence once a year to inspect the chimney and fireplace. Yesterday, he cleaned the chimney and reconverted the fireplace from wood burning back to gas. Will was right on time, and though he said...
Sweep For Hire
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Find Fireplace pros in Sebastopol

Cali Chimney Sweep

4.4(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Deni was great and did a thorough job. We got 5 fireplaces/woodstoves cleaned and have been using them since."

+32

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Northstar Construction Group Inc

4.1(

754

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"A company you can count on. Very high integrity. The owner is outstanding and maintains a high level of excellence. They did excellent work cleaning our flue and gas fireplace logs and burners. Wow it looks better than new and works perfectly now. Superb work. If you have a gas fireplace have them clean it or if you want a new one these are the folks to call."

+32

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Mr. Fitzgerald repaired the bonnett at the top of my fireplace, which is well over 32' high. He coordinated the project with me over the phone, knew exactly what i was referring to, and did the job in a timely manner and at a fair price. I would highly recommend Mr. Fitzgerald."

Response time1 day

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1988

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Avilla Masonry With over 40 years of experience, we take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give every customer. We are known to be extremely hands on and involved while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.

+18

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Luis house cleaning service

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular weekly service, Luis House Cleaning is here to make your home shine. With attention to detail, professional care, and eco-friendly products (available upon request), we guarantee a spotless clean—every time.\n\n• Licensed & Insured\n • Eco-Friendly Products Available\n • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee\n • Free Estimates\n • Trusted & Background-Checked Cleaners\n

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Fresh morning house keeping

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Very reliable and professional service with passion in all what we do!

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Julie Phillips

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Small jobs welcome

I am highly organized, detail oriented with a passion for cleaning. I take pride in my own well kept home and would love the opportunity to do so for other’s homes, vacation homes etc.

Request Quote

Oceanview_details

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Mobile service and coverage.

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

\n\nWe take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time2 days

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Chris b pains

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Sebastopol, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Highly motivated clean and professional with 30years experience. Im here to serve home owners with quality work .

Request Quote

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.

A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

They’re both types of wood-burning fireplaces, but a wood fireplace is built directly into a wall and attached to a chimney. A built-in wood fireplace often has an open hearth, although some models have an enclosed hearth. On the other hand, a wood-burning fireplace insert is a self-contained box that slides into an existing fireplace opening.

A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.

However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.

There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.

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