Tuesday 23 September 2014

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Fireplace Conversions

If you are the average Northbrook homeowner undertaking a gas fireplace conversion can be a daunting and confusing task.  What is all involved in the process?  How long does the project take?  What is the cost involved?  Where do I begin?  These are all questions you make be asking yourself as you decide whether updating your wood stove to gas is the right move for you.  When I started my Northbrook gas fireplace conversion, I had all these same questions too.  Let me shed some light on common mysteries in the gas converting world.

What is all involved in the process?


The answer to this question depends on what type of conversion you want to complete.  There are a few options to consider when converting: gas logs, a ventless gas fireplace, and a gas fireplace insert.  Which option is best for you will depend on your budget, your existing home structure, the timeframe in which to complete the conversion, and, of course, your personal preference.

•    If you are the average Northbrook homeowner undertaking a gas fireplace conversion can be a daunting and confusing task.  What is all involved in the process?  How long does the project take?  What is the cost involved?  Where do I begin?  These are all questions you make be asking yourself as you decide whether updating your wood stove to gas is the right move for you.  When I started my Northbrook gas fireplace conversion, I had all these same questions too.  Let me shed some light on common mysteries in the gas converting world.

What is all involved in the process?


The answer to this question depends on what type of conversion you want to complete.  There are a few options to consider when converting: gas logs, a ventless gas fireplace, and a gas fireplace insert.  Which option is best for you will depend on your budget, your existing home structure, the timeframe in which to complete the conversion, and, of course, your personal preference.

•    Gas Logs – a quick and easy way to get the job done; allows the homeowner to have an open fire, less finished look

•    Ventless Gas Fireplace – a cost-effective solution  but this option creates moisture in the home and may bother those with allergies or other respiratory issues

•    Gas Fireplace Inserts – highly efficient and beautiful, inserts can completely change the look and feel of the room with the many decorative finishes they come in, more expensive than other options


How long does a gas fireplace conversion take?


Gas fireplace conversions are completed quicker than you think.  From start to finish, the typical project when completed by an experienced professional can take less than a day if installing gas logs into an existing fireplace. 


How much does the typical Northbrook gas fireplace conversion cost?

Let’s assume that you decide to go with the gas fireplace insert – the most popular choice among homeowners for creating a seamless finish on your remodel.  We will also assume you hire a professional chimney sweep to complete the work.  If you include labor and materials, a typical Northbrook gas fireplace conversion will cost around $3000 and up.  This isn’t too harsh considering that you are changing the complete function and feel of your living space.


Where do I begin?

The best way to start your project is to contact a reputable local chimney contractor (or a couple) to request a quote on the work.  Ask them any questions you may have and inquire with them on any suggestions they may add. When signing any contracts make sure you read all the fine print carefully and have a clear understanding of what work they will complete and for what cost.  Also confirm that the contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured.


Now that you have the answers to some of the more puzzling questions surrounding gas fireplace conversion, I hope you feel empowered to get your renovation underway.  With some careful planning, an experienced professional as a partner, and a clear understanding of the process, your Northbrook gas fireplace conversion is sure to be a success.  Before you know it, you will be enjoying a warm, roaring fire you can turn on and off with a flip of a switch!
 – a quick and easy way to get the job done; allows the homeowner to have an open fire, less finished look

•    Ventless Gas Fireplace – a cost-effective solution  but this option creates moisture in the home and may bother those with allergies or other respiratory issues

•    Gas Fireplace Inserts – highly efficient and beautiful, inserts can completely change the look and feel of the room with the many decorative finishes they come in, more expensive than other options


How long does a gas fireplace conversion take?

Gas fireplace conversions are completed quicker than you think.  From start to finish, the typical project when completed by an experienced professional can take less than a day if installing gas logs into an existing fireplace. 


How much does the typical Northbrook gas fireplace conversion cost?

Let’s assume that you decide to go with the gas fireplace insert – the most popular choice among homeowners for creating a seamless finish on your remodel.  We will also assume you hire a professional chimney sweep to complete the work.  If you include labor and materials, a typical Northbrook gas fireplace conversion will cost around $3000 and up.  This isn’t too harsh considering that you are changing the complete function and feel of your living space.


Where do I begin?

The best way to start your project is to contact a reputable local chimney contractor (or a couple) to request a quote on the work.  Ask them any questions you may have and inquire with them on any suggestions they may add. When signing any contracts make sure you read all the fine print carefully and have a clear understanding of what work they will complete and for what cost.  Also confirm that the contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured.


Now that you have the answers to some of the more puzzling questions surrounding gas fireplace conversion, I hope you feel empowered to get your renovation underway.  With some careful planning, an experienced professional as a partner, and a clear understanding of the process, your Northbrook gas fireplace conversion is sure to be a success.  Before you know it, you will be enjoying a warm, roaring fire you can turn on and off with a flip of a switch!