Question About Ventilating a Wood Burning Fireplace?

I really want a wood burning fireplace. I've noticed that some inserts look just like fireplaces that were originally built with the home. I'm thinking of buying one of those. 1) How do I find a reputable installer? 2) How do I know the right price to pay? 3) Is it true that most new homes have these kinds of fireplaces? Ones without actual chimneys, but rather piping for ventilation? How does it look? There is no type of fireplace in the home now, we'll need to make a place for one. So part of my question is do they tap into the furnace chimney or make a seperate hole? I have been told that they make a hole through the wall, run the vent up the side of the house -they surround the vents (3 pipes) in wood -it then looks like a wooden chimney (the outter pipes are cool to the touch). I don't think this will look nice, but I don't know... I wonder if it can be bricked at this point. They say that they typically use siding for this part of the project. What are your thoughts? They say this type of installation is common in new construction. Have you seen it? How did it look?

Public Comments

1. I don't know. Many towns and cities have dealerships with displays of many models. They should be able to answer all your questions and have catalogs of additional models. Because safety issues are involved, you need expert advice, especially from those familiar with any local codes. I have an older (used) wood-burning insert that we fit into an existing fireplace and it uses split wood. We love it although it likely does not meet the latest code. Also, when I looked into getting a pellet stove (for a camp we were renting out at times) our insurance company was going to cancel our policy (because renters might not properly operate it!). We got a small potbellied stove instead. A fireplace store will either arrange for installation or recommend competent installers (it is their business). Perhaps ask for a lowest 'bid' for price and installation (nothing keeps costs lower than competition). As to price, check several stores or search the websites (under fireplaces, etc.) for ballpark costs.
2. In my experience one should approach the installers of these things as if they were used car salesmen. You should be prepared to haggle over price. One guy bait and switched me. I gave him the opening dimensions for a fireplace insert, and picked out an inexpensive one. When they came in to install it, it was too big for the opening. Guess what. One which would fit cost about $800.00 more. We negotiated the price down to about $500.00.
3. 1) Make sure that you hire a licensed contractor who is bonded. Check his references and check with the better business bureau. Ask how many inserts he has done and if you can contact some of his past clients. This is nothing to screw around with. We are talking about your house buring down and you maybe not surviving if it is not done properly. And it is certainly not something to "haggle" over. If someone shows up at your house and tells you the insert you ordered will not fit, tell him to go away and never come back, as your contract is now void. Good luck and be careful!