How much does fireplace installation cost?

You’ve probably heard of the famous “Christmas Song.” The warm-toned vocals begin with the iconic line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” Let us not even get to Jack Frost nipping at our nose because the fantasy already begins at the start. Who wouldn’t want to be enveloped by such a feeling of warmth? It’s in the crackles of the fire, the heat that elicits cuddling, and many more. 

But did you know that you don’t have to wait for the colder seasons to feel this way? You can have this permanently and feel all cosy for the winter all year round. We are talking about getting a fireplace installed.

Now there might be something that will pique your curiosity. You may ask, “What if my house does not have a chimney?” Our response to that is because 77% of Australian citizens have shifted to central heating. Most traditional fireplaces require a chimney, and not having one sure could pose a challenge. After all, central heating scraps the need for one because the heat is channelled throughout the area. This is something not worth fretting about if you live in a singular house. 

But this is particularly applicable to those who are living in condominiums. Fireplaces have since been replaced by radiators, mainly because of the existing smoke regulations that occur. Do not let this discourage you, though, because there are several options out there waiting for you that do not require a chimney. Yes, we are also talking to condominium owners. 

While fireplace installation costs vary depending on certain factors, they range from $118 to $390 on average. Such factors include the kind of fireplace you will have, the size of the fireplace, and more. 

We at Airtasker have compiled this easy-to-refer price guide for you to have an idea about how much it costs to install a fireplace and best assess how to go about the process.

Advantages of installing a fireplace at home

Contrary to popular belief, there are many benefits to installing a fireplace within your home. The first and foremost would have to be for aesthetic enhancement. It is no surprise that having a fireplace greet your guests would be the prime talking point. Imagine a roaring fire as you gather together. Cold weather is the best way to put this on, but if you feel like showing off, any time would be good too. 

Aside from it becoming a brilliant conversation piece, here are three main benefits of having this in your home or flat. 

Efficient heating system

Not only do you get to enjoy living out the fantasy, but you also get to scrimp on your bill. Fireplaces raise the heat in your place without leaving too much of an environmental hazard. You have the option to purchase sustainable wood that will not only poison your atmosphere but also burn longer.  

Raise the value of your home

Did you know that having a fireplace in your home - whatever kind it may be - can raise the resale value of your house by 10-12%? This is due to the fact that the fireplace is located in the living room area and this is where most guests and outside folk gather when invited. 

A readily available light source

Due to the unpredictability of electric generations across cities, some areas get the brunt of spontaneous blackouts. Sometimes, the ones living in the condominiums remain unaffected due to backup generators. But what about the homes that only have a single power source? Enter the fireplace, an evergreen source that lights up whether there’s a spark or not. You can bet that traditional fireplaces most especially just need wood and fire to get things going. 

Types of fireplaces and their costs

Now that we have convinced you to bring some natural light to your place, let us look at the types of fireplaces. But before that, we have to take note of the factors that affect new fireplace costs.

• Size. The adage always remains true. Size does matter, and fireplaces are non-exempt from that. This factor not only determines the size of the hearth, but the scope of the area it burns for. 

• Type of fireplace.  Two sub-metrics come into play here. The first one would be the type of material the fireplace is made of. Naturally, pre-made/ready-made ones are considered low-cost fireplaces than customised ones.

• Installation type. Opening up a fireplace costs separately from the actual fireplace. From the method on how it is done to the type of materials needed, you can bet that the cost varies.

Types of fireplaces

There are three types of fireplaces we tackle below. Take note that fireplace prices vary based on the above factors. The values you see here are mere ballpark figures, so it is best to consult your specialist. Additionally, you can also refer to the categories of fireplaces here:

• Low: Ethanol fireplace with no mantle

• Average: A wood-burning fireplace with tile surround

• Premium: A wood-burning fireplace with customised masonry

Fireplace installation costs per city

While we have listed down the average cost of fireplace installation, such varies according to the area you are living in. 

Fireplace installation quotes from Taskers

Should you need another point of reference, Taskers can share some of their average costs. But take note again that they could vary based on the area you are in. 

How to prepare for fireplace installation

To ensure that your fireplace installation runs smoothly, there are certain things you need to accomplish beforehand:

First, secure permits. Ensure that you can lawfully install a fireplace in your home or flat before you proceed. Some cities have smoke regulations that you need to abide by, so it is also important to choose the right fireplace to go into your place. Make sure to file the necessary documents to secure a permit so that you wouldn’t need to pay a fine in the future. 

Secondly, keep children or pets from the work area. Masonry work involves a lot of heavy materials that may be harmful to both kinds. Place them in a room or ensure that they are well within arm’s length so you can keep watch over them while the work is being done. 

Lastly, have a chat with your specialist. Before having them come over, it is best to talk about the labour requirements. Whether it be moving furniture around (most installers require at least an eight-foot radius of space to work with) or having some materials on hand, knowing what they require can help save time and costs on the day of the event. 

How do you take care of your fireplace?

Congratulations! You have a newly installed fireplace. But whether you got a new one or have an existing one in your home, there are top tips to ensure that your fireplace remains well-maintained and free of potential hazards.

Hire a chimney sweep

It may not be Dick Van Dyke sweeping your soot, but it will save you the trouble of having your face covered in it. Having your chimney cleaned by a professional will help you ensure that it is free of dust and dirt. 

Do not hang any decor

It may make the area look festive at first, but you wouldn’t want to leave Santa Clause with a burn on Christmas Eve, right? Besides hanging any form of decor (e.g. garlands, stockings) can increase the chances of a house fire. So make sure to keep the season merry and not fiery by keeping the decor somewhere out of flame’s reach. 

Leave a little ash

While it is good practice to keep the fireplace ash-free, make sure you leave a little bit at the bottom of the firebox. This ensures that the fire will burn longer as they absorb the heat to do so. 

Now that you know how much does it cost to put in a fireplace, there's no need to wait around. Put up a task for fireplace installation on Airtasker and let a professional install the fireplace of your dreams!