Fireplace
Gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces with stone, tile, and modern surround finishes.
Materials
What we install vs. what corner-cutters use.
Insert
Heat & Glo, Napoleon, or Regency direct-vent gas.
Bottom-shelf gas insert.
Why it matters: Quality inserts have real logs, better flame, longer life.
Venting
Proper direct-vent through wall or roof.
Un-vented in a room that can't handle it.
Why it matters: Wrong venting is a CO risk and code violation.
Surround
Non-combustible material, proper clearances.
Combustible framing within clearance.
Why it matters: Undersized clearances are a fire hazard and won't pass inspection.
Process
A predictable path — with real durations.
Design & permit
1–2 weeksFireplace selection, surround design, permit.
Rough-in
2–3 daysFraming, gas line, electric, vent penetration.
Insert install
1 daySet unit, connect gas/electric/vent.
Surround
3–5 daysInstall non-combustible surround, mantel, hearth.
Inspection & startup
1 dayGas leak test, city inspection, first fire.
Customer projects across Houston
Drag to reveal the fireplace transformation.
Recent fireplace projects from neighborhoods across the Houston area. Drag the slider on each image to see the before and after.
Why us
Why homeowners pick Modern Builders for fireplace.
Every gas line for a new fireplace is pressure-tested and inspected. We size the line for full BTU output — undersized lines starve fireplaces and shorten their life. Vent-free units go only where code allows. We don't install vent-free in bedrooms and we always spec CO monitors. Surrounds are properly detailed — non-combustible material within code-required clearances of the firebox, mantels installed at safe height above the opening.
FAQs
Answers before you ask.
Gas, electric, or wood?+
Gas is warmest, cleanest, and most convenient. Electric is easiest to install (no gas line). Wood is traditional but requires ash cleanup and chimney maintenance.
Can I add one to any wall?+
Almost always. Direct-vent gas can go on any exterior wall; electric can go anywhere with a circuit.
Do I need a permit?+
Yes for gas and any framing modifications. Electric plug-in units usually don't.
Can I mount a TV above it?+
Yes — we detail the surround so the TV is at proper height and heat is directed away from it.
Related reading
Go deeper before you decide.
Get a quote — we do it right.
Fixed-price proposals, real timelines, no corners cut. Tell us about your fireplace project.
Request your quote