Can a fireplace be added to an existing home that never had one?
Yes, and in Mars Hill the popular pick is an easy-to-use gas fireplace. Between the university-area rentals and the rural valley homes, most folks want flame at the flip of a switch — a sealed direct-vent gas unit does that, venting out a sidewall with no chimney. It's mixed-fuel country, so we confirm gas or propane first.
Simple for rentals, real heat for the cold
Around Mars Hill University, landlords and homeowners favor a fireplace that's foolproof — no wood, no ash, no fussy start. A direct-vent Napoleon or Heatilator unit fits that. And Mars Hill runs colder than the Asheville valley, so we make sure the unit is sized to actually warm the room, not just glow — roughly 20 BTU per square foot, pushed up for the elevation.
Out in the valleys, propane and wood
The Spring Creek and Gabriels Creek homes often sit off the mains on propane, and wood heat is common out there too. For a rural home that never had a hearth, that's a genuine choice: a propane direct-vent unit for convenience, or a Regency or Superior wood-burner for grid-independent heat. Both are licensed work; both get a Madison County permit and an inspector.
Thirty minutes north
We handle appliance, venting, and the gas or propane connection as one accountable company. The in-home assessment is free — call (828) 545-0525 or request a quote.
Fireplace help in Mars Hill
We install and service fireplaces throughout Mars Hill and the rest of Madison County — just 30 minutes north from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- At what stage of new construction does the fireplace get installed?
- Is adding a fireplace during a remodel more involved than in new construction?
- Can a fireplace be installed in an upstairs or second-floor room?
- Can you add a fireplace to a house that has no gas service?
- What should my builder rough in now if I want a fireplace later?