Can I ask my builder to upgrade the fireplace brand in a new-construction home?
Yes, and you should raise it early. Builders usually spec a basic builder-grade fireplace to hit a price; you can request a nicer brand — a Heat & Glo, Napoleon, or Mendota — as an upgrade or allowance. Even better, because the gas connection is licensed work, you can have us supply and install the hearth package directly and coordinate with your builder.
Ask before the walls close up
The single most important thing about a new-construction fireplace is timing. The venting and gas line get roughed in early — before drywall, sometimes before framing is finished — so the decision has to happen at the planning stage, not when you're picking paint. If you want to upgrade the brand or move to a linear or see-through unit, tell your builder before rough-in. After the walls close, changes get expensive fast.
Two ways to get the fireplace you want
First, you can ask your builder to swap their standard unit for the brand and model you want, usually handled as an allowance or line-item upgrade. Heatilator makes a solid, value-priced first fireplace that a lot of builders default to; stepping up to a Heat & Glo great-room anchor, a Napoleon, or a Mendota for that timber-frame look is a common request. Second — and this is the one people don't realize — you can bring us in directly for the fireplace, venting, and gas line while your builder handles the rest of the house.
Why go straight to a hearth specialist
In North Carolina, running the gas line is licensed work a general contractor legally can't do themselves — they sub it out anyway. Having one accountable hearth company own the appliance, venting, gas line, permit, and inspection means it's sized right, vented right, and backed by a real workmanship guarantee, not stitched across a builder and whoever they could find. Call (828) 545-0525 early in your build.
Related questions
- Which fireplace brands are the most affordable while still being good quality?
- What are the top luxury fireplace brands?
- Is Heatilator a good brand or just builder-grade?
- What is the difference between builder-grade and premium fireplace brands?
- What are the best gas fireplace brands?
- Is Napoleon a good fireplace brand?
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