How to Prepare for Your Fireplace Consultation

So. You’ve done your homework and pulled the trigger to request a consultation with a fireplace pro. Congratulations! You’re you on your way to learning what you need to know about getting a new fireplace! But what does a fireplace consult actually entail, and how can you best prepare for one? We talked to Massachusetts-based dealer Sean Rosser of Hearthside Fireplace & Patio, to get a pro’s take on what to you need to know.

Pictures and plans are always great,” Rosser says. “Pinterest pics showing looks [the clients] like are very helpful.” (Explore Heat & Glo’s Pinterest or our Inspiration Gallery for fireplace inspiration galore.) Google image searches and Pinterest boards can really help your vision take shape. And for the average homeowner who might not have a broad fireplace or home design vocabulary, the visuals will help you find the right path.

Another helpful tidbit to have on hand is your budget. Crunch numbers ahead of time so you know what you’re comfortable working with. This will also help your pro guide you toward realistic options. Do you want just the basics? OK! You’d like some other features, like different a more decorative front? No problem. You know exactly what you want and money’s not an issue? We can do that, too. (Check out Fireplace Price Tags, Demystified for more information on the costs associated with a fireplace install.)

Rosser also asks clients to decide what’s most important to them: heat efficiency, or ambiance. “And no,” Rosser says, “you can’t have both.”

A realistic timeframe is also important to bear in mind. “Start early,” he says. “[A fireplace project] can take eight to twelve weeks.”

Besides this, there are some concrete details that will be good to have on hand. Things like your full name, address, phone number, and email address, and project details, like:

• Project type
  • Converting from a wood to gas fireplace or stove
  • Adding a new fireplace or stove
  • Replacing an existing fireplace or stove
• Fuel
  • Gas
  • Electric
  • Wood
  • Pellet
• Product placement
  • Exterior wall
  • Interior wall
  • Flush mount
  • Corner mount
• Room
  • Living/family room
  • Porch/patio/outdoor
  • Basement
  • Bedroom
• Room dimensions
• If converting an existing fireplace, the following measurements:
  • Fireplace front height
  • Fireplace front width
  • Fireplace back width
  • Fireplace depth

A fireplace consult is pretty straightforward, but Rosser shares a few key things to know.

• Consultations take between 45 min and 90 minutes and can take place in your home or at the fireplace dealer’s showroom.
• You’ll get at least one product quote, but up to three.
• You’ll be given an understanding of what the project process looks like in terms of time-frame, cost, what the fireplace dealer does or does not do, and which other trades are necessary.
• You’ll get a list of complementary trades that can assist with the project. This can include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. depending on what services the fireplace professional offers. But it’s up to you to decide what (if anything) you want to DIY, and what to hire out.

As your consultation comes to a close, take heed of what Rosser most appreciates from customers: Be rational and kind. It’s that easy! Just bring your best self and get ready for a great experience from an experienced pro. And finally? Get excited. Adding or upgrading a fireplace in your home is something to look forward to, and Heat & Glo’s network of authorized dealers can’t wait to help.