Thinking of putting in your own fireplace? I did it.

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR OWN WOOD BURNING FIRE PLACE

In our ranch home, I installed two insert fireplaces that burn wood. We really wanted a Wood burning fireplace. I Had never done one before , so my wife checked on costs and we were astounded at the quotes we received. I had already framed them.

All that had to be done was to cut the hole in the roof, run the pipe and attach. We were quoted $4000.00 for both. We called all fireplace stores in the Wausau area, one would not even give us a quote. This did not include stone or any finish facade.

So, we took a trip to Menard's. We purchased all the materials for two fireplaces for less than $1500.00. ( including fans for both, and screens) It was really fairly simple.

Measure the width and height of the insert, frame it with 2 x 4 and use plywood to in close.

I had a bit of fun with my design. In the bedroom I placed the fireplace in the corner and put it up on a 2 foot hearth and ran window blocks underneath with eclectic and lighting for night light effects (we install red colored bulbs when the fireplace is not in use or during the Summer months) Then I ceramic tiled the base. I used extra beams that I had from building log homes, and ran them up the sides and used one beam as the mantle from wall to wall. It is a very impressive look.

This creative placement did not cost any thing. I did another atypical design in the living room as well. I must say that I pride myself on using material that I have on hand to keep costs down.

Now as far as the piping goes, I used a double wall pipe, ran it threw the hole in the roof, re shingled the roof and made sure that it did not leak. I used tar , caulk and metal flashing . They have not leaked, knock on wood.

We love our fireplaces. I just wanted to share with anyone who is thinking about putting in their own , that they can do it. Do not be intimated.




ShareThis

My first home of the season. A Hochstetler log cabin.

Building a Hochsettler log cabin, first home of the year. Many log home companies closed during this period of the recession. Others, the companies that focused on integrity , a fair price for a quality product, thrive.

Log home building is beginning to pick up. I felt the crunch coming about two years ago. After my big bang of 2002 when I built about 9-12 homes , I could see that each year, more and more homeowners, wanting to build a log home , simply gave up. The stumbling block ...money. Banks who pre-approved homeowners, pulled out at the last minute. The recession , the scare, has put a freeze on this industry. Lenders and homeowners were simply afraid.

Log home companies that I have dealt with and built for, have gone out of business. Amerilink, out of north Carolina, who built an impressive model home site consisting of several (four) model homes out of New York,( Patriot Log Home Builders built there largest 3500 sq. ft cabin) has closed. They focused on affordable pricing and in house construction ( managed there own building teams "In the Woods").

Jim Brana Log homes, a company that took pride in their elitism , it appears has filed bankruptcy and is in the process of restructuring.

Many of my fellow builders, have been out of work or have changed careers. (some to satellite dish installation)

I have seen over the years many trends in building. The log cabin is a secure homestead, an heirloom that one passes down to generations. It stands the test and rigors of time. Many people intuitively sense the security a log home gives to them.

The desire to own and live in a log home is still alive and well. The homeowner is cautious , and rightly so. He is looking for that integrity , honesty and affordability.

Hochstetler is out of Ohio , it a is Amish run milling company that gives prices that can't be beat. They have a beam roof and floor system which is superior. it is the traditional look that most people are striving for. I begin building this home in a few weeks. I will be posting the building process.




ShareThis