I've done a few of these fireplaces with no issues, but a new contractor I'm working with has brought up the idea that the heat from the fireplace could cause cracking in the plaster. Has this happened to you?

Very fortunately, we've not had any issues with cracking plaster. The fireplace is a true masonry fireplace, so the thermal mass may be working to our benefit here.

Thank you! I've never had issues either, so not sure why the contractor were's working with is so hesitant.