New construction - fireplace

[mikeb]

Hey all,

I'm getting ready to build another house and was thinking about putting a brick/stone fireplace with chimney in. Mostly, nowadays, we put in gas log, so consequently, I've never seen how a real fireplace was included in a home's construction. Any good sources for general info on the topic? What would be a ball park price range for such a thing? Any tips in general?

Thanks!

[Rich]

Don't have any idea on cost - but you can take a look at www.rumford.com (http://www.rumford.com) - I do have one article on the site regarding fireboxes http://www.construction-resource.com/articles/article8.php - a copyrighted article from rumford.com.

[rabadger]

Get the fireplace figured out before talking to the heating guys. That thing will add big time to the loss of the home. Thats why everyone goes with the higher eff gas log and sealed combustion fireplaces with outside air.

Actually you should have the heating guys figure it with the fireplace and without. Have them show you the difference in heat loss.

[Shanley]

Yea but gas logs don't create the same ambience. Design of traditional fireplace has evolved to a better fuel efficiency over the years. Admittedly still not great though. 36" Fire box and 2 flue chimney approximately 26' high in CT would run anywhere from $5000-$10,000 depends on type of masonry brick, field stone, granite, etc. you choose.

[Sweep]

I can give you basic dimensions for a fireplace but in the end you are at the mercy of the mason who builds it so find a good one.

A compromise between a masonry fireplace and a gas one is the Lennox Colonial fireplace that is a double-walled metal fireplace with a 15" double-walled metal chimney. It has a built-in screen and can be ordered with glass doors. It looks pretty much like the real thing except that it is 7"+ off the floor but a raised hearth can be used or it can be recessed into the floor. The chimney above the roof is galvanized steel and pretty big. But it doesn't require a foundation or a mason and has a fresh-air supply duct option. If you are interested I can send you some photos of one that is installed but not yet enclosed.
http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/products/overview.asp?pid=244