What to Expect:
Working with a Fireplace Dealer

Before Your Visit

Prepare for your visit with a few details about your home, your goals, and your space and you'll be one step closer to finding a fireplace that fits your home and your lifestyle.

Items to consider:

• Basics – Know the basics of your space, including approximate room dimensions, fireplace location and what's around or above it.
• Your Priorities – Think about what matters most to you: heat, ambiance, convenience, design or a combination.
• Photos – Bring photos and measurements of an existing fireplace if you're replacing one or considering an insert.
• Preferences – Have an idea of your preferred fuel, style, budget and timeline, if you have one.
• Technical – Be prepared to discuss existing gas lines, electrical connections, chimneys or venting.

During Your Visit

Your dealer will help narrow down suitable fireplace options with you. There are many options to consider: heating options, fuel, venting, clearances, utilities, installation, maintenance and design choices.

Your Napoleon fireplace dealer will help you figure out these technical details and make the experience enjoyable. They have the expertise and experience that you need for your project. They will discuss the installation with you. They will clarify what's included, who is responsible for permits and inspections, and whether additional trades or a general contractor may be needed for work around the fireplace.

Most importantly, you don't need to know all the answers. Bring what you can, ask questions and our dealers help guide you through the rest.

Your dealer will need to understand the installation requirements for your home, including venting, clearances, framing, gas or electrical connections, and existing chimney conditions. If you're replacing a fireplace, it probably will not be a one-to-one replacement. A new model may have different dimensions, venting, clearance, or utility requirements. The same applies to inserts, which must be compatible with the existing fireplace and opening.

Who Handles the Work?

Your fireplace dealer or installer will generally focus on the fireplace and its installation. Depending on the project and local requirements, they may also handle permits and inspections related specifically to the fireplace installation.

Construction around the fireplace, such as drywall, bump-outs, built-in cabinetry or extensive finishing, may fall outside your fireplace dealer's scope. A general contractor can coordinate these additional trades, permits, inspections, and schedules. Before moving ahead, ask your dealer what's included in their scope and what will need to be handled by you or another contractor to help avoid unexpected costs and delays.

Don't Interpret Installation Technical Information Yourself

Fireplace specifications and installation manuals can contain plenty of technical information, including required clearances, venting configurations, framing requirements, and installation restrictions.

A qualified fireplace dealer or installer can help determine how the manufacturer's requirements apply to your particular installation. They will ensure that the applicable manufacturer's installation instructions and local codes are followed.

Don't be surprised if your first conversation feels more like a project consultation than a shopping trip. Your dealer may ask questions such as:

• Is this a new fireplace or a replacement?
• If new, is the project part of a new construction or an existing room?
• What is the approximate square footage of the space?
• Is there an existing gas line, electrical connection, chimney, or vent?
• Where will the fireplace be located?
• What is above or around the fireplace?
• Are there existing cabinets, a mantel, television, or other features that need to remain?
• What kind of heat output are you hoping for?
• Do you have a preferred timeline or budget?

These questions aren't meant to complicate the process. They're intended to help narrow down which products and installation approaches make sense for your home.

Your dealer should be a resource throughout the selection process, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Consider sking:

• What fuel type and fireplace style would work best for my situation?
• What type of venting does this model require?
• What clearances are required around (and above) the fireplace?
• What utilities or connections are needed?
• If a replacement, will the existing fireplace or chimney work with this model?
• If a replacement, is my existing framing and opening compatible?
• What installation work is included?
• Will this project require a general contractor or other trades?
• Who is responsible for permits and inspections?
• Are your installers appropriately licensed, insured, and certified for the work they perform?
• What routine maintenance does the fireplace require?
• What warranty is included, and what does it cover?
• What is the expected timeline for delivery and also to complete the installation?

Certification requirements vary by location and type of work, so ask which qualifications apply to your particular installation.

Bring along as much information as you can. Having these details ready will help make your visit more streamlined, but don't worry if you don't have all the answers – your dealer is there to guide you through the process and help you make the right choices for your home.

Space & Measurements

• Room dimensions and ceiling height
• Fireplace location
• Mantel, hearth, cabinetry, or TV dimensions
• For replacements, existing fireplace dimensions and firebox opening dimensions

Fuel & Heating

• Preferred fuel: gas, electric, or wood
• Desired heat output – how much heat do you need?
• Preferred level of maintenance and convenience

Utilities & Venting

• Existing gas line or electrical connections
• Existing chimney or venting
• Potential venting route through an exterior wall or roof
• Photos of the installation area and exterior termination location

Style

• Photos of design inspiration
• Linear/modern or square/traditional look
• Ideal media options (e.g. glass kits, log sets, etc.)

Choosing a new fireplace is a big home decision, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Your Napoleon fireplace dealer can help you understand your options, assess what will work for you, and guide you through the installation requirements.

Come prepared with your questions, measurements, photos, and a clear idea of what you want from your fireplace. With the right information and a good plan, you can move forward with confidence and enjoy a fireplace that's a comfortable fit for your home.