First and foremost, you should remember that having a fireplace installed is a very involved effort that requires skill, experience and licensing. Due to the fact that improperly-installed fireplaces can lead to significant fire damage, they are placed under specific restrictions. You need to find a contractor who understands those restrictions and who knows how to build your fireplace to code. It's smart to get a quote on the project before you take things very far. This will help you narrow down which contractors are right for you by helping you find one that fits within your installation budget.

Due to the size and scope of this type of work, you should be willing to pay a significant upfront cost. Most contractors will require a deposit before they start doing any of the work you're hiring them for. Most of the time, this is a 25% deposit. You should also be prepared to pay for building supplies as they are needed. Don't go with a contractor who expects you to pay too much upfront, because this might be a scam. As long as the terms of your agreement are written down with an agreed-upon price, everything will work out fine.