Has any one ever built a new house and installed a fireplace insert at the same time?My question is how much brick or stone is needed in the unit?I want to use those 6"insulated pipes for the chimney but from all my reading it seems the installs always include yet another flu liner..
liners usually go in (clay lined) masonry chimneys chimney pipes usually are chased/unchased Seems to me you need to pick the insert you want and build the chimney system it requires. I've not looked in to fireplaces because as much as I like the traditional esthetics a little I don't care for the compromises.
I have some serious safety concerns with that plan. Pm me if you want advice because people get all worked up when I talk about codes and safety here.
Putting in an insert stove is usually something done to make the best of the situation when you have an existing fireplace...a free standing stove would be cheaper/easier/more efficient, and not require power...you could build a nice stone hearth if it is the look you are after though...or even a stone "alcove"...many options out there when you are starting from scratch!
Some of the other members may can link to some of the alcove installs that are on the forum. An alcove can give you the look of a traditional fireplace chimney and mantle but you get the better heating from a free standing stove.
x2, use stone/tile/stone veneer over the hearth and go up the back wall and even further out for a really nice look for a free standing stove. Also, many here have a raised hearth, up 8 or 12" or your preference to spare your knees while stoking. There are some really gorgeous installations like that. Less time, $$ than a fireplace + insert. And in my humble opinion, cleaning was easier on our raised hearth free standing stove than with our insert tucked away in the fireplace that was here when we bought this place. One more, a free standing will radiate on all sides in the case of the power going out where an insert will only radiate into the room on one side without electricity for the blower.
X3, much better idea as far as bang for your buck and efficiency go. Lots of ways to get creative going this route.
An insert is a solution to the problem of an open fireplace. Going this route in new construction is literally paying to have a problem built so you can pay again to fix it.
Our friends are looking to move to further away from the big city, out by us preferably. They've mentioned so many times how badly they want a wood burning stove like mine and mention that they are looking for one with an Open fire place so they can put in an insert like mine. Yeah, it looks great, but that's a solution to am existing situation. I've the them several times that you can put a freestanding stove, into any home, and that they'll heat even better.