Builder seems to not understand

last year

last modified: last year

Edited to add: This is gas, not electric.

This is not how one fits out a linear fireplace. He had drawings. He had installation instructions. We have nagged him for two months. The upper area is a niche that is about 14" deep. It's not finished.

He apparently put drywall up to the edges of where the noncombustible warning plate was, then left it all uncovered. He apparently thought he could just paint the drywall and the warning thingie, and leave the black parts exposed. We have informed him he is wrong.

We did not want tile or metal cladding. We wanted plaster or durock on that wall to form a nice, clean wall that would not be flammable.

I've just resent the plan specifications and the installation instructions from the manufacturer, again. He's now saying, "Oh, well we *could* replace the drywall with durock" -- OR "maybe just cover the black parts and the noncumbustible warning board with durock and bring the drywall up to it". As though this will be a change order issue, when it just wasn't done right the first time.

IF he drags his feet and attempts to extort more money to fix it -- which I fear he will -- what is going to be the most cost-effective fix? Ripping the sheetrock off that wall and replacing with the proper surface over the entire thing? Or his chop and mud solution? Is it safe, if by chance he does the bare minimum of Durock right around the box and makes it meet the sheetrock in a clean fashion, remud and paint?

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PRO

Charles Ross Homes

last year

"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. "

We don't know whether the fireplace was installed by a licensed contractor. We only know that the installation of the surround and hearth extension haven't been completed and that work appears to be in the general contractor's scope of work. There's no reason that a general contractor can't install those and have the installation comply fully with code requirements. And certainly without the need for the client to take over that portion of the project by bringing in another contractor and attempting to shove the bill onto the general contractor.

In Virginia, fireplaces must be installed by a licensed trade contractor and are subject to inspection at both the rough-in stage and at completion. I typically use my local fireplace retailer to furnish and install manufactured fireplaces, but when a client supplied their own fireplace (new in the box and brought with them when they moved,) I used my mechanical contractor who is also licensed to install them. Gas piped to fireplaces needs to be installed by a licensed gas fitter (not the fireplace installer) and the electrical run by a licensed electrician (not the fireplace installer.) Once the fireplace is in place, it's up to us to install the hearth extension, surround, and mantle, if any. That might involve a mason, tile setter, drywaller, plasterer or my stone/solid surface fabricator.

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Comments (9)

millworkman
last year
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.
bjstem thanked millworkman
bjstem
Original Author
last year
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?
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bjstem
Original Author
last year
@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.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
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
bjstem thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
bjstem
Original Author
last year
@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.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last year
"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.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
last modified: last year
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
millworkman
last year
last modified: last year
" 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.