Q1. Do I have to get planning or building permission for my new fireplace?
Q2. Can I install a gas fire or stove myself?
Q3. How long does it take to install a new fireplace?
Q4. If I order my new fireplace today, how long will I have to wait?
Q5. What can I do if I don’t have a gas supply near my fireplace?
Q6. Do I have to have a CORGI fitter to build a fireplace?
Q7. Can a CORGI installer fit my wood burning stove?

Q1. Do I have to get planning or building permission for my new fireplace?
From the beginning of April 2005, it became a legal requirement to notify all work including new or replacement appliance installations to your local authority although this is now done automatically on your behalf by your CORGI registered installer. Please seek the advice of your retailer as specific ‘approval’ requirements vary from one local authority to another.

Q2. Can I install a gas fire or stove myself?
No. It is illegal to install any gas appliance yourself unless you are a CORGI registered installer. All gas appliances must be installed by a competent person such as a CORGI registered installer and failure to do so may leave you open to prosecution and could also invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee.

Q3. How long does it take to install a new fireplace?
Installation time for a new fireplace will obviously reflect the amount of work that has to be done but for most installations it will take no longer than a day and can often be finished in half a day.

Q4. If I order my new fireplace today, how long will I have to wait?
This varies depending on the availability of your retailers installing team but will usually be longer in the autumn and winter months than in the spring and summer. Your retailer may have all the products required in stock but may also have to wait for the manufacturer to supply him. Bespoke or special products usually take longer than standard products.

Q5. What can I do if I don’t have a gas supply near my fireplace?
Before selecting and purchasing a gas appliance it is always advisable to have a fireplace survey. If a gas supply needs to be piped to the fireplace the cost of doing this, needs to be added to the fireplace cost. The viability of the whole project can then be established.

Q6. Do I have to have a CORGI fitter to build a fireplace?
No. There is no legal requirement for a fireplace (not a gas appliance) to be fitted by a CORGI registered installer although many are able to do such work and often undertake it. It is not therefore unusual for the fireplace to be fitted by your retailer or his staff and the gas fire or stove to be fitted by an engineer who calls separately.

Q7. Can a CORGI installer fit my wood burning stove?
Yes, although it is only a legal requirement to use a CORGI registered installer if it is a gas stove. This does not apply for a wood, solid fuel or multifuel stove. For these we would strongly recommend that you ask your retailer to ensure that your stove is fitted by a HETAS qualified engineer.