cost of fitting a cast iron, fireplace for solid fuel fire

becky1985_2

Hi,
I have bought a cast iron solid fuel fireplace for my living room and have been told we should get this fitted by a HETAS certified fitter.
There is an opening for the fire already in the wall (I presume the previous owners have removed a fireplace) so it is just a case of fitting the fire place, and maybe making the existing hole a litter larger. We have had the chimney swept and the sweep did a smoke test and issued a certificate saying it was all fine.
I have had 2 quotes, one for £950 + VAT for labour and materials and £100 on top to fit an air vent, and another for £1100. I don't have a clue about fires or fitting them but this did seem a lot higher than I was hoping for (the chimney sweep said it would probably be around £350 and I thought that was bad enough!) I explained to both companies that the chimney had been swept and was ready for use but they have both included Cowl, liner and registration plates in the quotes. I don't really know what this is to be honest or if we need it???
I would be really grateful if someone could tell me what is actually involved in fitting the fireplace, if I need the materials mentioned and what would be a fair price. (or any of the above!)
Thanks in advance,
Becky

suisidevw

Oh my gosh.

I recently fitted my own fireplace to building standards after having a quote of fitting inc 2x vents for £500. It took me a couple of days total but the satisfaction of doing it all myself was well worth it! Do you have a partner who could try/has DIY knowledge?! A couple of pics below of what I did with some research, patience and only £40 in materials That was in S Wales btw

If the smoke test and sweep was OK, I'd take their word for it but you'd need a 'pressure test' to get the definite OK! We don't have a liner and no smoke leakeage from out 1935 house.......

any questions, just ask

becky1985_2

Hi,
Thank for your reply. Looks like you have done a really good job! We were originally gong to fit the fire ourselves bu we were told that the building regulations were very complicated and that is was expensive to get it signed off by a building inspector.
Given the quotes we have had so far though, I am considering trying to fit it ourselves! Can you ecomend any good books or wbsites that give instructions or information on fitting a fireplace?
I am in South Wales aswell, seems like there is a real shortage of reasonably priced fitters in the area.
Thanks

suisidevw

Yes, I have plenty of great websites where I got the information to carry it out!

Where are you based in S Wales? Is yours similar to mine above?

The sweep who we used said he'd fit for £350 plus £150 for venting so £500 all in but literally said to have a go ourselves as it's straightforward! I'm no DIY pro and this is our first house and it was fine!

mike_h_4

Hi suisidevw,

Can you direct me to some of these websites (if you can remember them) as i plan to install a similar fireplace myself.

Thanks,
Mike.