Adding a new fireplace to your home should feel exciting. It’s one of those upgrades that instantly makes a space feel warmer and more inviting. But when the installation isn’t handled correctly, that excitement can fade fast. At CSS Fireplaces & Outdoor Living, we’ve helped many homeowners fix problems that could have been avoided with the right installer and a little planning. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for.
- Hiring a Contractor Without the Proper License
A fireplace may look simple once it’s framed in and finished, but installing one is much more involved. It takes the right mix of skill and experience to handle gas connections, ventilation, electrical work, and the safety codes that come with them. Hiring someone without the proper license or training can create problems that you may overlook until much later.
Issues such as incorrect venting, inadequate clearances, or unsafe gas line placement can lead to serious safety concerns and costly repairs down the road. Before moving forward, make sure your installer is fully licensed and familiar with the specific fireplace you plan to put in your home.
- Taking the DIY Approach
Some home projects are great for DIY. Fireplace installation is not one of them. The combination of structural requirements, fuel connections, and strict safety regulations makes it far too risky.
DIY attempts often result in reversed vent-pipe sections, inaccessible gas valves, or framing too close to the firebox. In more serious cases, improper venting can create a carbon monoxide risk. These are all details that trained professionals are prepared to handle.
- Ignoring Building Codes or Manufacturer Requirements
Every fireplace comes with detailed installation instructions. Local building codes add even more guidelines that must be followed. When either of these is overlooked, the result is often an unsafe or inefficient installation.
Skipping steps or guessing on clearances can lead to overheating, poor performance, or a voided warranty. Fixing these issues usually means opening finished walls and redoing the work, which can turn a simple project into an expensive one.
- Picking the Wrong Location
Not every area of your home is suitable for a fireplace. Window placement, nearby materials, structural support, and venting routes all matter.
Placing a fireplace in the wrong spot can cause heat damage to surrounding finishes or make safe venting impossible. Taking time to evaluate the correct location early on prevents problems later.
- Skipping the Final Inspection or Future Maintenance
Even when a fireplace is installed correctly, it needs a final review to ensure everything is operating safely. After that, routine maintenance keeps it performing well year after year. Without these checks, minor issues can go unnoticed and turn into larger problems down the road.
Hiring a Professional Makes All the Difference
A fireplace should add comfort and peace of mind, not worry. Working with licensed, experienced professionals is the best way to ensure your installation is safe, efficient, and built to last. CSS Fireplaces & Outdoor Living has the trained team and product expertise to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right unit to ensuring proper installation. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today and let our team help you bring your project to life.