Cannot read anything on the picture but in my opinion the manufacturers instructions need to be followed to a "T". I would not want the chance the kludge if it potentially meant my life or me home.

Earlier on, we had agreed that Durock would be accepted as an alternative to plaster, because it's apparently hard to get plasterers. Maybe we were wrong to give in on that point?

@millworkman Thank you. I agree the manufacturer's instructions need to be followed to the letter. The safety is first priority.

Is it possible to cut out some of the drywall, replace a segment of that wall with Durock, then mud and tape them so that it looks like one consistent surface? I don't know anything about Durock.

IMO a fireplace company should have installed the FP so maybe go to them and give him the bill . I am so tired of workers who think good enough is okay . This will not pass code as you describbe and that is on the builder .The black is the frame of the FP you do not eliminate it or cover it

@Patricia Colwell Consulting According to the manufacturer's specifications, the black box can be covered, and indeed their website only shows images of it covered. Only the frame and screen remain uncovered. The surround isn't installed on this photo, as the fp isn't ready for final dressing up.

"IMO a fireplace company should have installed the FP so maybe go to them and give him the bill ." This is some of the worst advice ever given on houzz.com by a "professional." If you want to make every aspect of the remaining portion of your home build tense, then follow that advice.

It's incumbent on the builder to install the fireplace correctly which means according to the manufacturer's instructions and any applicable local code requirements. My suggestion is to schedule a conference call between you, the builder, and the fireplace manufacturer's technical support rep to discuss your intent. Alternatively, you could set up an on-site meeting with someone from the local company from which the fireplace was purchased. My bet is that either route will result in a code-compliant solution and clear instructions to the builder about what they need to do in order to achieve it in a couple of minutes.

I guess we have different rules in Canada but fireplces are installed here by the fireplace company in every home I have worked on . We have strict codes and those need to be followed and I agree to follow the instructions from the maker, Sorry I was only commenting on the black part as the frame my mistake. I also have worked with clients who want something not possible and bulders who think good enough is good enough . I think the meeting with the FP company is good advice

AI OverviewLearn moreFor the safe and code-compliant installation of a gas fireplace in a new build in the US, you should hire a certified National Fireplace Institute (NFI) technician or a local gas fireplace company. These are your rules and not mine and most builders I know do not have that specific technician on the team so use the FP company. Basically the same rules as in Canada

" Is it possible to cut out some of the drywall, replace a segment of that wall with Durock "

Maybe, maybe not. We have zero context to know how anything was built or installed to this point other than your vague description. Typically, yes, Durock is installed, spackled and looks just like the drywall once finished. But from your description I do not know what he may have done or not done correctly to this point. Charles Ross is correct, get a conference call with the builder, and the fireplace manufacturer started to review and discuss the best course of action at this point.