2 fireplace inserts: $7100?

[HardDrive]

We got a bid from a local company to replace our fireplace inserts. Gas is already there, they just need to do the electric. The units are Lopi, supposedly good quality. One of the face plates was expensive because it was a hammered steel unit from their 'artisian' series.

Any opinions on the price? Any opinions on Lopi products or the company?

Thanks.

[Superman]

I can weld you up a couple of inserts for way less than that. And....it will have a charming, rustic, hand-made look instead of those fancy, neat-weld, perfectly square corner things.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Superman

I can weld you up a couple of inserts for way less than that. And....it will have a charming, rustic, hand-made look instead of those fancy, neat-weld, perfectly square corner things.

Can u do me a wrought iron door for my wine closet?

My only requirements are that the hinges make a creepy squeeky sound.

[Jim Richards]

Fireplaces waste energy. Fuggetaboutit and drywall those holes up.

[dad911]

are they to retrofit a masonry fireplace, or replace and existing zero-clearance firebox?

[dhoward]

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by dad911

are they to retrofit a masonry fireplace, or replace and existing zero-clearance firebox?

Retrofitting a masonry fireplace.

[ben parrish]

That is a tough question to answer. Inserts are expensive but their cost can vary wildly. Are the contractors going to use the existing flue or replace it with double insulated pipe? Chimny cap/termination cap? Weather cap? Any carpentry work involved? Electrical for fans?

You are probably going to find that the price is not too far off at all. It isn't hard work but it requires that you know what to do to keep the house from burning down.
Just see what the base cost for the units and needed hardware is. Labor is the unknown but I would expect to have to pay about $20-40 per hour.

Just for a price point, a pre-fab firebox only cost about $6-700 for a good quality unit like Heatilator. The piping runs about $15.00 per foot; weather cap and flue cap cost about $500.00. I would charge about $500 to install not including any needed carpentry or electrical work. My recent firplace addition cost me about $3000.00 and I did all the work.

good luck,
Ben

[HardDrive]

Thanks Ben.

Huge variability in prices. I have been researching all day. One of those items that its hard to get an 'apples to apples' comparison.