Replies

1. 
   JohnD_ | Jan 16, 2002 03:11am | #1

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   After having two go-arounds with the fireplace installers from the shop that sells the things, I found another installer (who does other corporate maintainance) with a very good reputation.

   The stack piping had initally been done very crudely, and the sheet metal at the top of the chase was a prefab; unfortunately as is usual with construction, the chase was not exactly rectangular. Combined with a very small lip and no sealing, rain was driving in under the cover.

   It took a while for him to arrive after giving the quote--which is what he said would happen. He called a few days before arriving. Two men arrived, put a drop cloth on the stairs and the floor, and worked for 9 hours getting things back to shape and installing proper firestops.

   The cover had to be fabricated. A few days later their ladder (left chained to a tree) was gone and the new cover, properly fitting, was installed.

   I paid almost twice what I had initially been charged for the installation, and am very satisfied that I was not ripped off.

   Quality workmanship DOES get a premium! Just don't get me started about the initial installation.