Frequently Asked Questions

CONTENTS

• FIREPLACES
• WOODBURNING & MULTI-FUEL STOVES
• FIREWOOD & FUEL
• GAS FIRES
• ELECTRIC FIRES
• INSTALLATION, SERVICE & SUPPLY

 

FIREPLACES

Do you make your own stone fireplaces?

Yes. Ivett & Reed’s fireplace designs are made by our stonemasons in our own workshops in Cambridge. Our stone fireplaces are hand carved from solid pieces of stone. This is unlike most stone fireplaces on the market, which tend to be made from thin pieces of stone, which are cut and glued together. Please bear this in mind when comparing our prices to those of our competitors. We also offer a selection of fireplaces crafted from the finest marble and granite.

Where do your materials come from?

The stones used for our own fireplace designs are mainly English limestones, such as Portland & Bath, plus the Ancaster stones which are local to us (from Lincolnshire). The marbles & granites used for our fireplace infills & hearths are sourced from renowned locations around the world.

Do you sell any other makes of stone fireplace?

Yes, we also sell a further range of classic and contemporary designs made by Acquisitions and Stovax. These are available in limestone or marble.

Can any of the dimensions of the fireplaces be changed?

Yes. We make our own fireplace designs to order, so any dimensions can be altered to your exact requirements. Acquisitions’ designs can also be made to special sizes, although the lead time can be quite lengthy for this service. Stovax designs cannot be made-to-measure.

Can the design of your fireplaces be altered?

Yes. Because we make our fireplaces to order, we can offer a truly bespoke service. You can specify changes to the design, or even combine elements from different fireplaces to create your own unique style.

Do you only sell stone fireplace surrounds?

We also offer a comprehensive range of timber fireplace surrounds, in both traditional and contemporary styles. They are made in England by Classic Mantels from natural timbers (not MDF or laminate). Attractive painted finishes are also available. Each surround is made to order, and as such can be tailored to your exact requirements.

Do you sell cast iron fireplaces?

Yes, we sell cast iron and steel inserts and register grates. These can be combined with stone or timber surrounds to create a classic fireplace. Styles available include classic arched inserts, Victorian tiled fireplaces and hob grates. More contemporary steel slips and register grates are also now available, allowing you to create a ‘modern classic’ style of fireplace. Versions are available for solid fuel, gas and electric.

Do you install fireplaces?

Yes. We have experienced teams of fireplace fitters who can carry out any kind of fireplace installation, including removing old fireplaces, altering fireplace openings and constructing new chimney breasts, where necessary. All of our fitters are trained and skilled in handling and installing our stone, ensuring a quality finish to your fireplace.

Can I combine elements from different fireplace displays I have seen on your website or in your showroom?

Yes. The bespoke nature of the way we work allows you to mix and match elements from different fireplaces to create the exact look you wish to achieve. So, if you see a surround design you like, but wish to have an insert, fire or stove from a different fireplace, this is not a problem! You can also choose any material from our vast selection of marbles, granites, slates and limestones for your hearth and infill.

Can I keep my existing fireplace, but have a new fire installed in it?

Yes. We are happy to quote to carry out any aspect of fireplace work, from just installing a simple hearth or replacing an old fire, to a complete fireplace suite with new appliance and flue system.

Do you have a fireplace showroom?

Yes, our showroom at 615 Newmarket Road has over 60 fireplace displays. Our own comprehensive range of fireplace designs are on display, along with a selection of fireplaces by Acqusitions, Stovax and Classic Mantels. You can view examples of hearths and infills, along with samples of all of our natural stones. Parking is free, and we are open from 8.15am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays).

Do you keep fireplaces in stock?

Generally all our own fireplaces are made to order to offer a truly bespoke service, although we do occasionally keep some stock stone fireplaces, so please check. Stovax, Acquisitions and Classic Mantels fireplace surrounds are also ordered in as required. It is also worth checking our special offers section, to see if we have any ex-display or other fireplace surrounds at reduced prices.

Will you ‘supply only’ for me to install the fireplace myself?

Yes, we are happy to supply only, although installing a stone fireplace is really a job which should only be undertaken by a person with experience of handling and fixing natural stone. We cannot be held responsible for any damage to the stone caused by an installer using incorrect fixing techniques or materials.

 

WOODBURNING & MULTI-FUEL STOVES

Which brands of woodburning and multi-fuel stoves do you sell?

We are the area’s main dealer for Clearview, Stovax, Dovre, Jotul, Scan, Barbas, Hwam, Jetmaster, Cleanburn and Parkray. We have carefully selected our portfolio, from top of the range stove brands, to ensure that we have options to suit every taste, budget and property. If you have seen a different make of stove elsewhere, which is not in our range, it is highly likely that we have an equivalent or an alternative product – please ask!

Do you install woodburning & multi-fuel stoves?

Yes. Any installation of a solid fuel appliance and/or flue system must be fitted by a HETAS-registered installer, or the installation has to be inspected by Building Control. We employ our own HETAS-registered fitters, which exempts the homeowner from having to notify Building Control of the installation.

Why should I consider having a stove?

Stoves are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. They offer a highly efficient form of secondary heating, completely independent of gas or electricity supplies. This is particularly attractive to many homeowners in times of fluctuating energy prices. Additionally, a real fire offers a genuine aesthetic appeal and ambience, and can add value onto a property. For new builds, installing a woodburning appliance improves the property’s SAP rating.

Are stoves environmentally friendly?

Yes. Burning wood is a carbon-neutral activity, assuming the fuel is from sustainable woodlands. In addition, multi-fuel appliances, burning a mixture of wood and smokeless coals, produce less carbon dioxide emissions than electric or gas appliances (source: Government Standard Assessment Procedure, 2005).

How efficient are stoves?

Modern woodburning or multi-fuel stoves are up to 80% efficient. This is because the combustion takes place in a sealed chamber behind glass, with the air feeding the fire easily controllable through inlets in the door of the stove. In contrast, traditional open fires are only around 20% efficient – meaning the vast majority of heat generated disappears up the chimney!

What is the difference between a woodburning and a multi-fuel appliance?

Woodburning appliances usually have a flat bed on which to build the fire. This is because wood burns best on a bed of its own ash, with air for combustion coming from above. A multi-fuel model gives you the option of burning smokeless coals too. They have a raised grate, as smokeless coal requires combustion air from underneath the fire, and an ashpan to collect the cinders.

Can I burn wood in a multi-fuel stove?

Yes, it is fine to also burn logs in a multi-fuel appliance, but be aware that the presence of a grate and ashpan often reduces the firebox area, meaning less room for your logs. If you are sure that you will only ever burn logs, it is best to go for a dedicated woodburning appliance. Some appliances can be converted to multi-fuel in the future should your circumstances change.

Can I burn house coal in a multi-fuel stove?

No. You can only burn anthracite, or manufactured smokeless fuels certified as suitable for use in a closed heating appliance (e.g. Homefire or Homefire Ecoal). Ordinary house coal contains volatiles which can seriously damage your appliance and flue. Burning bituminous coal, ‘petro-coke’, or any other petroleum-based fuel will invalidate your product’s warranty.

If I buy a woodburning stove, am I limited to just burning logs in it?

There are other products available which are suitable for burning in a woodburning stove. We sell Green Dragon Farm Grown Fuel, which is made from compressed rapeseed and comes in briquette or nugget form. This fuel actually burns longer and hotter than wood logs! We also sell Hotties heatlogs, which are made from compressed wood waste. These are also fine for burning in a woodburning stove. However, you are not able to burn smokeless coals in a dedicated woodburning stove.

What size of stove do I need for my room?

In order to heat your room to a comfortable temperature, you should aim for an appliance which gives 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of room space. Measure your room in metres (width x length x height) to find how many cubic metres of space you have, then divide this figure by 14. This is the kW output you need. Some stove manufactuers, particularly Scandinavian, list a minimum, maximum and nominal (or rated) output. For the purposes of UK building regulations, you should work on the nominal (or rated) output figure. Note that this calculation is only a guide, and may vary for individual properties (e.g. very draughty or very airtight homes).

What will happen if I choose a stove which is too big for my room?

If you had a stove installed which was too powerful (in terms of kW output) for your room, you would find that you couldn’t run the appliance to its full ability, as you wouldn’t be able to stand the heat. Subsequently, you would end up under-fuelling the stove, which in turn would fail to get the stove up to its optimum burning rate. This would prevent features such as cleanburn and airwash from kicking in, causing operational problems such as the sooting up of the firebox and blackening of the glass.

What is ‘primary air’?

This is the combustion air needed to “feed the fire”, and is generally delivered via a controllable air vent on the bottom part of the door of the stove.

What is ‘airwash’ (secondary air)?

Controllable air is collected through a front air intake and is ‘washed’ over the inside of the glass, helping to keep the stove glass cleaner for longer.

What is ‘cleanburn’ (tertiary air)?

Tertiary air is brought into the rear of the stove & circulated via internal ducting to pre-heat the air. It is then, as it gains momentum, injected via a row of factory machined holes into the top of the combustion chamber. This action causes the unburned gases and smoke particles (a by product of the fuel containing volatiles which would normally go up the chimney) to be re-ignited and burn again, producing extra heat and cleaner emissions. Furthermore, you will enjoy the sight of even more flames.

Can I have a glass fronted stove built flush into the wall?

Yes. A huge range of built-in cassette or insert stoves are now available, in both woodburning and multi-fuel versions. These can either be installed as a ‘hole-in-the-wall’, or in a traditional fireplace setting with a stone surround. Cassette stoves offer all the same efficiencies as a freestanding stove. They also have additional features, such as fan systems (to help circulate warm air more quickly) and warm air ducting (to distribute warm air to other parts of the room, or even other rooms in the house).

Can I run a stove with the door open?

Generally, no. Stoves are designed to be run with the door closed. Leaving the door open for prolonged periods will simply mean that most of the heat goes up the chimney, and your fuel will soon burn out. You could also potentially damage your stove and flue by running it with the door open. A number of canopy stoves are available, designed for inglenook fireplace installations, which may be used with the doors open or closed.

I don’t want a glass door on my fire. Can I still get an open fire?

Yes. Some people prefer the atmosphere of an open log or coal fire. To satisfy this demand, we sell Jetmaster’s famous Universal open convector fires. Their unique design, which provides radiant and convected heat, is around 50% efficient – as opposed to just 20% for a traditional open fire. It is the perfect compromise between modern efficiency and traditional ambience.

Does my chimney need to be lined in order to have a stove?

This depends on the type, size and age of the chimney, and its condition. Older traditional brick chimneys normally need to be relined with a flexible steel flue liner. This is because the gases produced by a stove are much cooler than an old open fire, so the size of the flue needs to be reduced to ensure the chimney draws correctly. It also eliminates any potential chimney fire risk from tar and soot deposits building up in an old chimney stack. If you have a newer existing chimney which is sound (for example it has a clay liner system installed) it may be possible to install a stove without relining the chimney. This is subject to an inspection and test on your flue, which we can carry out for you.

I have no existing chimney or fireplace opening. Can I still have a woodburning or multi-fuel appliance?

Yes. It is possible to install a brand new rigid steel flue system to enable you to have a stove in a room with no existing chimney or fireplace. The flue can either go straight up and through the ceiling (and through a further floor if necessary) to terminate above the roof, or the flue can exit the room through an external wall, then up the outside of the property to a suitable termination point. Where the flue system is seen, we can supply it in a professional powder coated paint finish (usually matt black, although any RAL colour of your choice can be used).

Do I need an air brick in my room in order to have a stove?

If your property was built after 2008, you will need an air vent into the room for any stove. If your property was built before 2008, then you will only need an air vent if the stove has an output of over 5kW.

How can I get my chimney swept after a stove has been fitted?

The majority of stoves can be swept through the stove, usually just by removing the flame baffle at the top of the firebox, which is a simple job. For those appliances which cannot be swept through, a flue access point will need to be built into your installation.

What kind of guarantee do I get with my stove?

Each stove comes with a warranty which varies between 1 and 10 years, depending on the product you choose. For example, Stovax offer a 2 year warranty, while Jotul and Barbas offer 10 years. This warranty covers the body construction of the stove. Note that parts such as glass, firebricks, fire rope, baffles and grates are considered to be consumable parts, so are never covered by any guarantee.

Can I just buy a stove from you and have it fitted by someone else?

Yes. We are more than happy to ‘supply only’, but please ensure your installation is carried out by a qualified HETAS installer, or inspected by Building Control. A stove installation is not a ‘do-it-yourself’ job – and any mistakes made in installation will automatically invalidate your warranty.

Do you have stoves on display in your showroom?

Yes, we have over 30 woodburning and multi-fuel stoves and fires on display in our showroom at 615 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, including ‘live’ working models. The products we have on display include a selection from each manufacturer in our range, although as we are sure you appreciate, with many hundreds of stoves available it is impossible to display every model. Please check in advance if you are looking to view a particular make or model.

Do you keep the stoves in stock?

Stoves are generally bought in once you confirm your order and pay a deposit, with the lead time being around 7 to 10 days (assuming the product is in stock with the manufacturer). We do often have some core products in stock in our stores here at 615 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, so if you need a stove in a hurry, please do ask!

 

FIREWOOD & FUEL

Why is burning wood considered to be environmentally friendly?

Burning a wood log releases the same amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as if the log had been left to rot on the ground. Therefore, woodburning is considered to be a ‘carbon neutral’ activity. This is dependent on the wood coming from sustainable sources.

What is considered to be a ‘sustainable source’ of wood fuel?

A sustainable source of wood should either be naturally occurring waste timber from forestry management (lop & top, wind throws, thinnings), or a new tree has been planted to replace the felled timber.

Do you sell firewood?

Yes. We sell kiln dried logs and kindling sourced from sustainable British woodlands. We also sell nets of kiln dried silver birch sourced in the EU. We always keep logs and kindling in stock in our yard in Cambridge.

Do you do bulk deliveries?

Yes. You can order bulk deliveries of logs, kindling and other fuel products via our website. You can make significant savings by having a bulk delivery.

What does ‘seasoned firewood’ mean?

In order to be suitable for a woodburning appliance, all wood must be properly dried. Freshly felled timber can contain up to 65% moisture by volume. It is vital to get this down to around 20% or lower before burning the logs. The process by which logs are dried is known as seasoning. To do this naturally can take 1 to 3 years, depending on the species of timber. Our suppliers use a kiln drying process to get the moisture down to the required level. The kilns are fired by waste wood from cutting the logs, ensuring this process doesn’t add to the carbon footprint of the logs!

What would happen if I burned wet, unseasoned wood in my stove?

Burning wet wood with a moisture content higher than 20% can cause serious problems with a stove. All of the energy of the fire goes into boiling the water in the timber, resulting in a hissing sound you can hear when you try to burn wet wood. What looks like smoke going up your flue is in fact a mixture of smoke and steam, from the boiled moisture! Subsequently, the logs give off virtually no heat. Even worse than this, the moisture going up the flue as steam mixed with smoke forms a tar on the inside of the flue and appliance, which can lead to serious operational problems, and even an invalidated warranty.

What is Green Dragon Farm Grown Fuel?

Green Dragon is a unique farm-grown fuel. It is made from the rape meal that’s left over from crushing rapeseed oil for food and fuel, which is then pressed into briquettes or nuggets. Green Dragon burns for up to 3 times longer than wood logs, giving off twice the heat – making it a financially viable and environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

 

GAS FIRES

Which brands of gas fire do you sell?

We are the area’s main dealer for Gazco, Paragon, Barbas, Bellfires and Acquisitons X-Fires gas fires. We have carefully selected our portfolio, from top of the range brands, to ensure that we have options to suit every taste, budget and property. If you have seen a different make of gas fire elsewhere which is not in our range, it is highly likely that we have an equivalent or a close alternative product – please ask!

I have an existing flue or chimney. Which type of gas fire can I have?

If you have an existing flue or chimney, you should look for a conventional flue gas fire. These fires use the natural circulation of heated air to draw the products of combustion out of the property. Existing conventional flues come in two main categories: Class 1 and Class 2.

What is a Class 1 flue?

A Class 1 flue is generally a traditional brick chimney, which was once used for an open fire. It usually has a minimum diameter of 7” (178mm). It is also possible to build a Class 1 flue into a new build property, usually using a pre-fabricated steel or clay flue system.

Which gas fires are suitable for a Class 1 flue?

Nearly all conventional flue gas fires can be fitted to a Class 1 flue. These include both open and glass fronted models, in traditional inset and modern hole-in-the-wall styles, plus gas baskets (DFE fires) and conventional flue gas stoves. However, note that if your chimney has deteriorated, it must be lined with a stainless steel flexible liner to make the flue safe. It is also often possible to fit many of the large balanced flue gas fires into a conventional Class 1 flue, by using 2 flexible liners to create a balanced flue system.

What is a Class 2 flue?

Many modern homes built since the 1970s have Class 2 flues. This would normally fall into one of two types: a metal pre-fabricated flue with a 5” (125mm) diameter, terminating in a metal gas cowl on the roof; or a pre-cast flue, sometimes called a ‘letterbox’ flue, with dimensions of 90mm x 183mm, terminating in a raised ridge terminal on the roof.

Which gas fires are suitable for a Class 2 flue?

A wide range of gas fire models have been specially designed to be suitable for Class 2 flues. These include both open and glass fronted models, in traditional inset and modern hole-in-the-wall styles. However, balanced flue fires or gas baskets (DFE fires) are not suitable for a Class 2 flue.

I have no existing flue or chimney. Can I still have a gas fire?

Yes. There are 2 options for homes with no chimney. If you have a suitable external wall on which to install a fire, you can choose from a wide range of balanced flue gas fires. If you have no suitable external wall, you may still be able to have a flueless gas fire.

What are balanced flue gas fires?

Balanced flue fires are specially designed for homes with no chimney. The fire has a glass front, while the balanced flue consists of concentric flue pipes, one inside the other. This creates a sealed system, where the outer flue pipe draws air into the appliance, while the products of combustion are expelled through the inner flue pipe.

What size are the balanced flue fires?

Balanced flue fires are available in every shape, size and style imaginable, ranging from traditional 16” inset fires to stylish and contemporary landscape hole-in-the-wall fires. Balanced flue gas versions of freestanding stoves (both traditional and contemporary) are also available.

How much work would need to be done on my house to have a balanced flue gas fire?

It is possible to have a 16” balanced flue gas fire installed into a deep rebated fireplace surround, which can then be fitted to a flat external wall, with virtually no building work at all – we would just need to drill a hole through your wall for the rear exit flue. In contrast, some of the larger balanced flue gas fires would need a false chimney breast to be constructed to house the fire. We can also carry out this work, if required.

What are flueless gas fires?

As the name suggests, flueless gas fires require no flue at all. They work by using catalytic converters to safely filter the products of gas combustion. The fires comply with all necessary standards and are completely safe, although there are minimum recommended room sizes, and you will need a permanently open air vent into the room. They are designed to be fixed to a flat wall in a property or room with no existing chimney. Flueless gas fires are also 100% efficient.

What size of gas fire do I need for my room?

In order to heat your room to a comfortable temperature, you should aim for an appliance which gives 1kW of heat output for every 14 cubic metres of room space. Measure your room in metres (width x length x height) to find how many cubic metres of space you have, then divide this figure by 14. This is the maximum kW output you need.

I do not have a gas supply to my property. Can I still have a gas fire?

Yes. Virtually all gas fires are available in LPG versions in addition to natural gas. Providing you have a safe location to store the gas bottles to comply with regulations, you can have a gas fire.

How efficient are gas fires?

This depends very much on the type of appliance chosen. Some of the more advanced gas fires have virtually invisible glass panels in front of the flames, which allow them to reach efficiencies of up to 89%. This means that just 11% of the heat output is disappearing up the flue, making them very cost effective to run. If you prefer not to have a glass front on your fire, you can still reach efficiencies of up to 60%, for example with the Gazco Logic Convector. Other types of gas fire, such as gas fire baskets, are known as DFE (Decorative Fuel Effect) fires, and intended to be used for effect only, not as heating appliances. Subsequently, they have efficiencies of only around 20%, and only a negligible heat output.

Do I need an air brick in my room in order to have a stove?

If your property has been built after 2008, you will need an air vent into the room for any gas fire. If your property was built before 2008, then you will only need an air vent if the gas fire has an input of over 7kW.

Can I put a flat screen TV above a gas fire?

There are some gas fire models which can be installed with a TV above the fire. These are generally open fronted fires, such as the Gazco Studio Open Fronted, which have a very low heat output and are intended for decorative effect, rather than as a heating appliance. Generally, it is not possible to install a TV above a glass fronted fire, because the wall gets so hot that it could damage your TV. The exception is the Acquisitions X-Fire Balanced Flue, which can be installed with a TV above it, providing the TV is recessed or a small shelf is installed below it. In all cases, refer to the manufacturer of your TV and ensure that any required minimum distances are adhered to.

Most gas fires have a remote control option. What does the remote do?

The remote controls come in a number of different categories, which vary according to which fire you choose. Some remotes just turn the fire on and off, and up and down, but require the pilot light to be permanently lit. Some other remotes are known as ‘sequential’, and will even light the pilot for you. There are also highly advance remote controls available, which incorporate a timer and thermostat – so you can set your fire to come on before you get home, or set the room to a desired temperature, which the remote will monitor for you and adjust your fire accordingly! Note that not all remote types are available for all fires.

What kind of guarantee do I get with my gas fire?

Gazco fires come with a 2 year guarantee, Paragon fires have a 3 year guarantee, and Barbas fires have a 10 year guarantee. These guarantees are subject to conditions, for which you should refer to each manufacturer’s individual instructions. You must have your gas fire serviced annually to keep your warranty valid, and the guarantee does not cover consumable parts (for example, thermocouples, oxypilots, fuel effect components, glass).

Do you have gas fires on display in your showroom?

Yes, we have over 20 gas fires in our showroom, the vast majority of which are on ‘live’ working display. The fires are a representative selection of the products in our range, including 16” fires, larger balanced flue built-in fires, hole-in-the-wall gas fires and gas stoves.

Do you keep gas fires in stock?

With such a broad product range, and each individual model having a number of options, gas fires are generally ordered in once you have confirmed your order with us. We may occasionally keep some core products in stock, and it is also worth checking our special offers section for ex-display or other models at a reduced price.

Do you install gas fires?

Yes. We work in conjunction with Gas Safe registered heating engineers to carry out any required gas work, such as connecting and commissioning a new gas appliance, or moving gas pipes. The engineers we work with are from well known and reputable local businesses, and are experienced in dealing with our products. However, if you prefer, you can also arrange for your own gas engineer to carry out your gas work.

Can I just buy a gas fire from you and have it fitted by someone else?

Yes. We are more than happy to ‘supply only’, but please ensure your installation is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A gas fire installation is not a ‘do-it-yourself’ job – and any mistakes made in installation will invalidate your warranty.

 

ELECTRIC FIRES

Which brands of electric fire do you sell?

We are the area’s main dealer for Creative Fires, Paragon, Gazco, Continental Fires and Dru electric fires. We have carefully selected our portfolio, from top of the range brands, to ensure that we have options to suit every taste, budget and property. If you have seen a different make of electric fire elsewhere, which is not in our range, it is highly likely that we have an equivalent or a close alternative product – please ask!

How hot and how efficient are the electric fires?

Electric fires have a heat output no greater than 2kW. They are generally just under 100% efficient – in other words, almost all of the power supplied to the appliance is turned into heat.

Is it possible to run the fire without the heat?

Yes, virtually all electric models have the option to run the appliance in ‘flame effect only’ mode. This enables you to have the ambience of a fire in your room even where the heat is not required, for example in the summer, or in a home with very good central heating.

What size are the fires?

We offer a huge range of electric fires, starting with models suitable for a standard British 16” x 22” fireplace opening, right up to spectacular 1500mm wide models, for a stunning landscape hole-in-the-wall look.

Do you sell electric cast iron stoves?

Yes, Gazco have cleverly created electric versions of most of the popular Stovax cast iron and steel stoves. The electric flame effect uses LED technology, and is one of the most advanced on the market. The products are ideal for someone wanting the look of a woodburning stove, but with the convenience of electricity.

Do you install electric fires?

Yes, we regularly install electric fires as part of a complete fireplace package. We can arrange any necessary electrical work to be carried out by a reputable local electrician, with whom we have worked for many years.

Can I just buy an electric fire from you and have it fitted by someone else?

Yes. We are more than happy to ‘supply only’. Our electric fires all come with a standard UK 3-pin plug, so for example for a freestanding fire or stove, you can simply position the appliance, plug it in and it is up and running. However, if the installation is more involved (e.g. cables need to be chased through the wall), you should ask an electrician to carry out this work for you.

 

INSTALLATION, SUPPLY & SERVICE

I would like you to carry out an installation for me. Can you give me an estimate?

Yes, in many cases we are able to provide an estimate to carry out an installation. This can either be done in the showroom, or over the telephone or email. The more information you can provide us about your property, existing fireplace and chimney, the more accurate your estimate will be. Dimensions of your chimney breast and fireplace opening are always useful; photographs are even better!

I like the look of the estimate, what happens next?

If you wish to proceed based on our estimate, the next step is to book a quotation visit. The visit enables us to measure up, make a visual inspection and assessment of your room, fireplace and chimney , check access to the chimney stack (if necessary), and discuss final options with you. We will then send you a fully itemised quotation to carry out the installation.

I wish to accept the quotation. How soon can you install?

Please call or email us to notify us that the quotation is acceptable. We will then raise an order, which you will need to sign and pay a deposit against to confirm your order. We will then agree mutually convenient installation dates. We usually work around 4 to 6 weeks ahead, although in busy times (e.g. September to March), the lead time can be longer. Lead times may also be dictated by the products you have chosen.

Do you supply and/or install your products anywhere in the UK?

We prefer to focus on our local area, where we can offer a complete quality service to customers – from the initial sales consultation, to supply and/or installation, to after sales service. Therefore, we aim to deal with customers within an approximately 50 mile radius of Cambridge. We cover Cambridgeshire, and parts of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. To check if you are in our installation area, please feel free to ask.

I want to buy a fire or stove, but don’t live in your area. What do I do?

If you see a product such as a stove or fire on our website which you like the look of, but don’t live locally to us, please follow the links on that product’s page to the manufacturer’s website. Here you will be able to search for your local stockist of the product, who will be able to give you the necessary level of local service.

Would you supply your own stone fireplaces to customers outside your area?

Yes, we are more than happy to sell our stone fireplaces to any customer! However, due to the fragile and very heavy nature of our solid stone fireplaces, we would not entertain the idea of using couriers for delivery. You are more than welcome to arrange to collect a fireplace from our workshops, or if you are not too far away from us, we are happy to look into the options for delivery using our own vans – but please bear in mind that we do not operate a dedicated delivery service, so charges will apply.