Okay. So, way back when we were designing our floor plan, one of the deciding factors of what our house would look like was the fireplace.

Seriously.

I fell in love with the idea and look of a see-through indoor/outdoor woodburning fireplace. My heart was set on it!

When I told people about my idea, I was usually met with skepticism.

WhAt abOuT sEcUrItY??? PeOpLe anD aNiMaLs coUlD jUsT coMe riGhT iN!

WhAt abOuT hOmE iNsUlAtIoN??? YoU’d be waStInG eNeRgY!

I dOn’T tHiNk yoU cAn do thAt. YoU haVe to FoLlOw coDeS!

C’mon folks. I’m no amateur when it comes to making decisions! I’m not an on-a-whim type of person! While researching (that thing you do before you before committing to a decision), I found two companies that specialized in NOT ONLY see-through indoor/outdoor woodburning fireplaces, BUT ALSO insulated iron security doors for the outside.

But there was a problem: both of those companies were waaay out of state. They could construct the firebox and ship it to us, but it was gonna cost a LOT of money. More than I wanted to spend. Fortunately, one of the companies has a dealer in our state. I saw a glimmer of hope.

However, when we sent our house plans to them, we were told that our upstairs would need to be re-designed to accommodate the flue. Because we waited so long, our upstairs was already being constructed. The company directed us towards a see-through indoor/outdoor GAS fireplace. We had the option of vented or ventless. Seeing as how we would still have issues accommodating a flue, I wanted a ventless system.

We found a unit we liked, and the sales guy put in the order. Then his superior contacted us and said that the unit we chose would not work in an indoor/outdoor setting.

Eventually, we were able to find a see-through indoor/outdoor ventless gas fireplace insert. TWO actually! The first one had a larger viewing area. It was nice. BUT…we would have to schedule someone to come dismantle the glass JUST TO CLEAN IT! No thank you.

The second unit had a slightly smaller viewing area. No specialized service was needed to clean the glass…I could do it myself. We would only need to schedule a maintenance check-up a few times a year. The only thing was that whoever was installing it needed to be certified.

The company we were using for installation had a guy take a certification course. You’re welcome! Because of me, you have an extra certification under your belt. More homeowners like me who have crazy fireplace ideas might come to you in the future!

Last week, the insert was delivered!

Stay tuned as I update this post WHEN (not if) it’s all installed!

UPDATE…

The insert is walled in! And the conduits and wires for the TVs have been run for both sides above the fireplace!