Installation Day - How many steps does it take?

How many steps does it take to install a new fireplace insert?

Too damn many.

1. Remove the old woodstove and knock out the wall.
   
   
2. Dig out the old concrete and brick.
   
   
3. Clean the walls.
   
   
4. Wait an eternity.
5. Order the insert.
   
6. Have the stone mason finish the surround and hearth.
   
   
7. Keep waiting for the insert.
8. Then, for good measure, wait some more.
9. Set an install date. Hooray!!
10. Arrive an hour early for the install to make sure the path is clear.
11. Chop ice from the snow storm over a week ago and clear the porch.
    
    
12. Move the baby chickens from the middle of the dining room.
13. Completely freak out when I see the hole completely blocked. These beams are heavy! I took my vitamins but man, how am I going to do this?
    
    
14. Move what I can and pray the installer can help move this stuff.
    
    
15. Wait, some more. The stove arrived almost an hour late.
16. Nearly squeal with excitement, and verify that I can take pictures of the process, 'cause I take pictures of all of everything. Then share them with you. Including shots to Facebook as the stove came up the steps, and a quick post during install. I couldn't wait!

Finally - the Jotul woodstove insert arrives!

It's here, it's here!!

Trying to make it through the snow to the porch.

The hand truck climbs stairs. Using various controls, the stove would glide up and down on it's own ramp. The bottom footer would move separately, moving the wheels. Neat to watch, so glad I wasn't controlling it.

Moving on up!

Yep, before unloading, John, the owner of Unique Heat, was able to move the logs and laid out some plywood to provide a way to get to the fireplace.

Setting it back into place.

He was so impressed with the stone work and how amazing the unit looked, he asked to take pics for his company's website!

There it is! Installed!

Yes, there is open space between the stone and insert. Ghon had measured the space, but apparently measured too big. John, the stove guy, is going to have another surround made for us to close in the gap. Fortunately, we can still use it as is.

And yes, rather than drill through all that stone, we will run the power cord for the blower to the wall, along the front of the stone.

Isn't it pretty?

Ghon and I are having a stay-cation next week to work in the living room, and anywhere else we can in the house. Will be awesome to light the first fire!