A contractor will charge $2,559 to install a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace and chimney. While a handy homeowner can buy the unit for $1,500 and may have the skills to install it, a professional will guarantee a safe installation. Someone skilled in carpentry can do the finish work and install a new mantle. (Tribune Media Services / February 16, 2012) |
Realtors tell us that the addition of a woodburning fireplace in a house will increase its value, so it's a worthwhile investment. In most rooms, a fireplace is the focal point, adding character and ambiance. And the appeal of a crackling fire on a cold night is undeniable. If your room is small, a large masonry unit won't work, but a prefabricated metal zero-clearance fireplace takes a minimum amount of space and can be safely placed near wood framing.
A contractor will charge $2,559 to install a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace and chimney. While a handy homeowner can buy the unit for $1,500 and may have the skills to install it, we think adding a fireplace is definitely a job best left to a professional who will guarantee that the unit is properly installed and meets local building code requirements. For safety's sake, there's no room for error. Someone skilled in carpentry can do the finish work and install a new mantle, but you should leave the installation of the fireplace and chimney to a pro who can suggest where to locate the unit and who knows how to comply with the building code requirements.
Another type of fireplace to consider that's less difficult to install is a vent-free gas or electric unit. Neither requires a chimney, so the installation is less complicated.
To find more DIY project costs, and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved
$2,559 -- $1,500 -- 16.1 -- 37.5 -- $1,059 -- 41 Percent
A contractor will charge $2,559 to install a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace and chimney. While a handy homeowner can buy the unit for $1,500 and may have the skills to install it, we think adding a fireplace is definitely a job best left to a professional who will guarantee that the unit is properly installed and meets local building code requirements. For safety's sake, there's no room for error. Someone skilled in carpentry can do the finish work and install a new mantle, but you should leave the installation of the fireplace and chimney to a pro who can suggest where to locate the unit and who knows how to comply with the building code requirements.
Another type of fireplace to consider that's less difficult to install is a vent-free gas or electric unit. Neither requires a chimney, so the installation is less complicated.
To find more DIY project costs, and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved
$2,559 -- $1,500 -- 16.1 -- 37.5 -- $1,059 -- 41 Percent
