Call a wood stove company for a helping hand
Who can install a wood-burning stove? Your go-to handyperson won't do because this is a complex job that requires thorough knowledge of all things combustible (and associated regulations). A local wood stove company is the way to go since they install stoves every day. Here's how you can find the right wood stove installer near you to get the job done.
So why hire a local wood stove company? They're very familiar with fire and safety hazards, local building codes, and how to get the most efficient heating out of a flue. These pros know what wood stoves are prone to do and whether they may be more of a safety hazard for your home than they’re worth.
Wood stove installers are incredibly specialized in this niche appliance. A local stove company also has years of day-to-day experience adapting stove installation to homes with unique floor plans, homes with special heating needs, and the local climate.
Unless you’re a licensed contractor, you should not install a wood-burning stove yourself. Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are serious, real-life risks that can happen with improper wood-burning stove installation, so it makes sense to call in the pros.
First, permits for this project are required in most areas because of the complex web of federal, state, and local regulations. A wood stove installer can navigate these regulations with ease, expediting the process far beyond what an average DIYer would be able to do. It could take you weeks to figure out the permits alone.
Even if you’re confident enough in your advanced DIY skills to install the wood stove yourself, you always need a professional to check the job. Wood stove pros know how to assess ventilation, efficiency, and whether your chimney is in good enough shape to proceed. Local wood stove companies are also highly familiar with different types of wood stoves and can help you find one that complies with local building codes while fitting your desired aesthetics and budget.
Chimney sweeps are experts at cleaning chimneys and sometimes even repairing them. They’re great pros to hire for a chimney inspection before a new wood stove installation, but they’re not the first pros you should call for the installation itself. Some chimney sweep companies may offer installation services, but you should call a dedicated wood stove company first.
Curious about the process pros use during installation? The exact steps will change depending on the company you choose and the installation location, but here’s an overview of what the process could look like:
The wood stove installer assesses the area where you'd like to install the stove. This includes comparing stove specs to the local building code's clearances.
The pro obtains permits. Depending on where you live, a building or fire inspector may visit your home before the wood stove company gets to work. They'll approve your permit or request changes before the project can start.
After permit approval, the wood stove company installs a floor protector pad.
The pro creates an opening in the roof to install the stove pipe. Depending on your home structure and local building codes, you may need additional wall protections, attic insulation, and roof flashing.
The expert finally installs the fireplace on top of the floor protector, and the stove pipe is connected to the stove.
Fire bricks are added to the wood stove, and the pro lights a test fire. The wood stove installer observes the stove inside and then checks the stove pipe from the roof. They’ll make any adjustments as needed.
The best place to install a wood stove is near an outside wall. This makes it easier to route a chimney through the roof than if it were located in the dead center of your house. No combustible materials should be near the wood-burning stove, and depending on the building code, 20 inches to 36 inches of space should be allowed between the side wall and the stove.
Wood stove installation fees start around $1,500. This wood stove itself can cost $850 to $2,000, depending on the model. After considering both the stove and wood stove company’s fees, most homeowners pay $3,000 to $4,000 to install a wood-burning stove.
Home insurance prices depend on where you live and the individual insurance company's policies. Some insurers charge a flat fee for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, which is often a few hundred dollars per year. Other insurers base this fee on a percentage of your annual premium. You may want to check your current or prospective policy before beginning this project.
