"Shamrock Maintenance Corp. did an excellent job cleaning and inspecting our wood burning stove. The technician arrived on time, was professional, and explained everything clearly before starting the work. They made sure the area was protected and left everything clean once the job was completed. I appreciated how thorough the inspection was and the time they took to answer our questions. It’s hard to find reliable service these days, but they definitely delivered. Highly recommend."
"The workers and office staff were easy to talk to, well informed, courteous , and efficient. They performed a thorough inspection. Recommended and installed a stainless liner and cap for the furnace flue and a new damper on the fireplace flue. Their price was better than previous quotes and even set up a partial payment plan. I am very pleased with the work they did."
I've a skilled and personable house cleaner who has been cleaning houses in the Buffalo area for about 6 years. I take pride in offering clients peace of mind by understanding their needs and being flexible with scheduling. Recently I've gained experience in construction and handyman work to add to my repertoire. \nI clean thoroughly and fast, leaving your house feeling brand new in a matter of hours!
"Very pleased with the job that was done. Only critique would be a slight gap between the backsplash and wall, which had I noticed sooner I am sure they could have corrected with caulk or pushing backsplash closer. It is hardly noticeable. Everybody that I dealt with was extremely friendly. I am very happy with the counter top."
"Astar has done three jobs for us, a top of the line regency gas fireplace, an indirect hot water heater and now, the most impressive - a Kohler natural gas whole house automatic generator. All of these are top of the line equipment. The owner, Ed always answers his phone if you ever have a question. Astar is not the cheapest, but there's something to be said for you get what you pay for. "
"Overall,again they did a great job, the original price was adjusted after seeing part of the structure didn't need insulation. I did ask if they would put the unused portion in the attic, but it appeared they weren't interested in doing that. It may have required the job to last longer, but that's just my assumption."
"It's a pretty decent system, I think. They send you the pieces and you install them yourself, which is pretty easy. The only real problem I have is that one sensor is too far away from the panel...or there's some interference, and they haven't been able to fix that. It's an interior door, so it's not the end of the world, just a little annoying. Their customer service is pretty good though. Nice, smart customer service people on the other end, very polite and helpful."
Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.
Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.
You’ll need vented logs if you have a vented gas fireplace and vent-free logs if you have a ventless gas fireplace. If you aren’t sure which type of fireplace you have, contact a local gas fireplace service. They’ll help identify your fireplace and explain which type of logs you need to run it.
How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.
Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.
The installation cost for a brick or stone gas fireplace typically ranges from $3,500 to $12,000. Key factors that influence the total expense include the type of material chosen, labor costs, the setup for the gas line, venting requirements, and any custom design elements.
The Irving, NY homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
