We have bought and installed a couple of gas fireplaces in projects, and have generally been disatisfied with the service we get from our local fireplace shops.
They misplace orders, get orders wrong, and generally screw up.
We need a direct vent gas fireplace for an upcoming project and are considering either going big box or online for the unit.
I decided this after having a conversation today with a local guy who recently went into the fireplace dealing biz, and is fresh back from a one week vacation, one in which he and his wife were hosted in a southwestern Mexico seaside resort with a group of dealers, the host being the fireplace manufacturer.
“Hearth products,” as these things are called, are sold through one of the most dealer-protected networks there is, and I think there is way too much margin in the prices, especially given the kind of service we have experienced.
Can anyone recommend a product line available online or through the competitive big box chain stores?
Edited 3/6/2007 1:21 pm ET by Gene_Davis
Replies
Yes, the salesmen in those upscale hardware stores and fireplace shops are the worst. They typically don't want to sell you a boxed unit because their profit is made in the installation and accessories. So a $1000 DV insert turns into a $7000 "cozy-deluxe-retreat-just-sign-here".
If you check around online, you'll find a few wholesalers who will deal out of their areas. Make sure they are selling new units and not returns, and look carefully at the fine print in their return policies.
I recently purchased a Heat and Glo DV 36" Esacpe
http://www.heatnglo.com/products/fireplaces/gasFireplaceDetail.asp?f=27075
And I'm installing it myself--it has a pretty detailed installation manual.
As of right now I'm waiting on my gas guy to come and run the gas line.
I'm not sure if the big boxes carry that brand but I bought mine from a place that usually installs them but will sell you the unit if you pick it up at the warehouse.
So it worked out--although the unit and add on and vent still set me back $3500.
So not cheap
cjeTake what you want, leave the rest