Expert: James Ball - 10/20/2009

Question
James,
Thanks for your time and expertise.  I have a house with a fireplace and an insert.  We bought the home two years ago and I had a certified chimney sweep company inspect the isert and chimney.  They indicated that I have a terracotta liner that appears in good condition but it is not connected to he stove.  They suggested a direct connect with a double walled insert extending through the entire chimney and out the top.  These look like pretty straightforward installations but they was $3000.  i can do it for $1000 myself.  Is there something I am missing here?  Is there a skill I should have to do this type of job?  Finally, what type of liner would you recommend?  I live in PA but the weather is really kind of mild.  I burn the stove from Nov-March pretty much all day but I don't run it really hot.  thanks
chris


Answer
Hello Chris, a local certified sweep will be current on all local building codes and know how to install this liner correctly, if you want to try it and you cant get it to work you might be paying twice. 2000-3000 is a ruff price on a relining. with insulation.
maybe try another certified sweep or wait until they are slow? they might do the work at a bit less $$$.
James