Fireplace Installation Cost in South Africa
| Single storey – standard | R 3 500 |
| Single storey – large | R 3 500 |
| Double-storey – flue outside | R 4 000 – R 5 500 |
| Double-storey – flue inside | R 4 200 – R 6 200 |
| Insert fireplace | R 4 000 – R 6 000 |
| Freestanding in hearth | R 2 500 – R 3 500 |
These costs can vary depending on design and architectural requirements.
There is nothing better than snuggling up in front of a fireplace on a cold, winter day. It is no wonder then that fireplaces have become a key element in modern homes today – they can be used to generate heat, and create an inviting ambience. Here we give a breakdown of the costs involved in a fireplace installation in South Africa:
Types of fireplaces In South Africa
First and foremost, you need to decide the purpose of installing a fireplace. Are you considering one for added warmth and lower energy bills? Or mainly as a design feature to improve the value and appearance of your home? Here are your options:
Wood burning fireplace
A traditional open-hearth fireplace is as classic as you get. You can hear the fire crackling and when you sit close, you can feel the intense heat. You cannot beat the look and sound of a wood fireplace, but their installation and maintenance can be expensive, and they can be messy.
Gas fireplace
These are a popular alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They are usually a more attractive design that can fit better into a modern style of home. And although gas fireplaces create more heat at a lower cost, and are more cost-effective to install, they often do not feel the same as a traditional fireplace.
Ethanol burning fireplace
Not only are these fireplaces quite trendy at the moment, they are easy to install. Unfortunately though, they do not produce as much heat as their counterparts and often fail to heat a large room.
Our partners at Leroy Merlin have a wide variety of fireplaces.
Tips to consider with a fireplace installation In South Africa
Size and location
The size of the room where you wish to install a fireplace will dictate the size of the fireplace and thus the installation cost. It is best to measure the room and ask the installer which fireplace they would recommend for the size available.
Insulation
The purpose of insulation is to keep heat inside a home during winter, and keep heat out during summer. It often pays to check the effectiveness of your insulation when wanting to go to the expense of installing a fireplace. You can put in the most powerful heating unit available, but in the wrong set-up, it can run flat out and still be ineffective.
Design considerations
A fireplace is always a focal point in any space. When choosing fireplace design materials there are a few considerations: the overall “look” you want, the architectural style of the home, and proper scale of the surrounding area. What will hang above it (if anything) is an additional consideration, whether it’s a TV or decorative objects like a mirror or art.
Finding the right pro
Whenever you are incorporating a fireplace into your design, we recommend consulting with a certified manufacturer. Fireplaces can easily become a safety concern, so it is absolutely essential to specify the proper components for your particular circumstances.
Now that you have a better understanding of the costs – it’s time to find the best pro for the job.
Here are our top tips to help you find the right pro for your fireplace installation:
All you need to do is:
- Answer some questions about the job
- Share your contact details so no more than 5 Pros can contact you directly
- You’ll be contacted with quotes or a request for more info by affordable, experienced, and trusted pros
- Read their online reviews
- Choose the pro that best suits your needs
Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option, especially with fireplace installations. Stick to these tips, and take into account, the entire package, pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them, and then, of course, the cost.
