Most fireplace projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. Wrong flue size or no liner
Oversized flues cause smoke spillage and CO. A stainless liner sized to the appliance is the standard.
2. Reusing an old B-vent unit
Modern direct-vent units are dramatically safer and more efficient. Old units belong in the trash.
3. Wrong hearth clearances
Combustible framing and finishes have code clearances. Miss them and the inspector fails the job.
4. No top-sealing damper
A leaky damper is like leaving a window open. Top-seal dampers close tight.
5. No blocking for a TV or heavy mantel
Retrofitting blocking after tile is set is a demo project. Frame it in on day one.
How to vet your contractor
Read your fireplace bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
