Can a fireplace be added to an existing home that never had one?
Yes, and at nearly 2,650 feet Waynesville is a place where that new fireplace will actually earn its keep. Homes here run 10 to 15 degrees colder than Asheville with a heating season about three weeks longer, so we usually steer folks toward a genuine heat-producer — a sealed direct-vent gas unit or a wood-burner — over a decorative-only setup.
Size it for the mountain cold
The rule of thumb is roughly 20 BTU per square foot in a moderate climate, and Waynesville's elevation pushes that number up. That's why the appliance choice matters more here than down in the valley. A Kozy Heat or Napoleon direct-vent unit puts real warmth in the room, while a Regency or Superior wood-burner gives you heat you own outright — grid-independent, which counts when a mountain storm takes the lines down.
Gas or propane, depending where you are
Waynesville is mixed-fuel country — natural gas serves parts of town, while homes up the slopes and outside the mains run on propane. Either way, the gas or propane connection is licensed work we handle: we run and pressure-test the line, coordinate the tank with your propane supplier when needed, and pull the Haywood County permit.
The honest look
A direct-vent gas fireplace vents out the nearest wall and often finishes in a day; a wood-burner needs a full Class A chimney, framing, and a hearth, usually two to three days. We're 35 minutes west, and we'll tell you which one fits your room before you commit a dollar. Free assessment — (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Waynesville
We install and service fireplaces throughout Waynesville and the rest of Haywood County — just 35 minutes west 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?

