Few upgrades add instant charm, equity, and comfort like a custom fireplace. Yet between masonry codes, fluctuating material costs, and coordination with multiple trades, homeowners can feel the heat long before the first log burns. CountBricks eliminates that stress. Our AI-powered estimating engine listens to your vision in real time, converts each requirement into an itemized scope, and instantly delivers a rock-solid budget—down to the last firebrick.
Online searches reveal that most residents researching “build a fireplace” want three things:
• Transparent costs before committing
• Assurance that designs meet local codes and energy efficiency goals
• A turnkey team that manages demolition, framing, venting, finishes, and inspection
CountBricks addresses all three with a single voice conversation. You describe the look—rustic stone, sleek plaster, or contemporary metal clad. Our software matches it with current material pricing, local labor rates, and task durations. Within minutes, you have an interactive estimate ready for approval.
Tell us your dream fireplace over the phone. The CountBricks engine transcribes and categorizes every detail—fuel type, hearth dimensions, mantel style, even preferred grout color.
• Line-item pricing for masonry, framing, gas or electrical rough-in
• Real-time material costs pulled from regional suppliers
• Built-in contingency recommendations based on historical data
Upload a floor plan or snap smartphone photos. CountBricks AI maps structural loads, chase locations, and clearance codes, ensuring your design passes inspection the first time.
The project timeline auto-populates with milestone reminders. Approve digitally, and our vetted residential crews mobilize—often within a week.
Every task is tracked in the CountBricks field app. Homeowners receive photo updates and live budget dashboards, so there are zero surprises when the final invoice arrives.
• Fuel Source: Wood-burning units require flues and spark arrestors, while gas inserts demand vent piping and licensed hookups.
• Venting Path: Multi-story chases add framing and exterior cap costs. Direct-vent models reduce complexity.
• Finishes: Hand-cut stone or custom millwork can triple material spend compared to prefab surrounds.
• Structural Reinforcement: Older homes often need added footing or wall blocking to support the hearth.
• Permit Fees: Jurisdictions around the Bay Area vary widely; CountBricks auto-calculates the fee schedule in your estimate.
Because CountBricks updates labor and material data daily, our budgets stay accurate even in volatile markets. Typical San Francisco installations fall into three bands:
• Entry Gas Insert (no structural changes): \$12k–\$18k
• Custom Wood-Burning with Stone Surround: \$22k–\$35k
• Architectural Statement Piece (floor-to-ceiling slab, integrated media): \$40k–\$65k+
All ranges include demo, framing, finish carpentry, inspection, and a one-year workmanship warranty. For a fixed figure on your exact project, start a voice session at CountBricks.com/consultation.
California’s Title 24 energy codes and San Francisco’s strict particulate regulations can douse many fireplace dreams—unless you have the right guide. CountBricks pre-filters options that meet EPA Phase 2 standards, selects sealed combustion units for airtight homes, and auto-generates compliance documents for permit submittal.
• Choose an insert with variable flame modulation to prevent overheating.
• Add a thermally efficient firebox liner—CountBricks sourcing cuts retail cost by up to 18 percent.
• Integrate a blower kit and smart thermostat to distribute heat evenly and reduce furnace runtime.
1. Initial voice call and AI estimate: Same day
2. Site visit for laser measurements: Within 48 hours
3. Permit procurement: 5-10 business days
4. Construction: 7-14 days depending on complexity
5. Final inspection and hand-off: 1 day
With CountBricks coordination, most homeowners in San Francisco light their first fire within four to six weeks of saying, “Let’s go.”
Residential pros love our platform because it trims preconstruction time from weeks to hours. Seamless blueprint takeoffs sync to your project management software, and our branded client proposals make you look polished without extra overhead. View samples at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• White-label estimates you can present as your own
• Volume discounts on specialty masonry and refractory products
• Dedicated support from licensed fireplace installers
Whether you are refreshing an aging hearth or adding a statement piece to a new build, CountBricks combines powerful AI with seasoned tradespeople to deliver fireside perfection on time and on budget. Speak your vision now at CountBricks.com/services and receive a custom estimate before the day ends.
When the Nguyen family bought their 1901 Hayes Valley townhouse, the original coal fireplace was long sealed and the living room relied on electric baseboard heat. They contacted CountBricks to explore a wood-burning replacement that honored the home’s Victorian character while meeting modern emissions codes.
• Voice estimate completed in 14 minutes, outlining three finish options
• AI takeoff revealed existing chimney flues were undersized; solution involved adding a dedicated stainless liner
• Custom walnut mantel milled off-site and delivered pre-finished to shave two days off schedule
• Final project cost \$27,950—only \$150 over the original estimate, attributable to client-requested tile upgrade
• Completed from demo to final inspection in 11 working days
1. Prioritize vent analysis early. CountBricks laser scans existing stacks to avert costly mid-build changes.
2. Lock material selections before permit submission. Changes after approval can trigger review delays.
3. Use pre-finished trims when historic profiles are required; it preserves authenticity without onsite finishing fumes.
CountBricks continues to refine our AI models with each completed fireplace, delivering ever-tighter budgets and timelines. Schedule your free voice consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation and see how accurately we can predict your project’s path from blueprint to burning embers.
