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Fireplace installation has stricter documentation requirements than most residential trades because the consequences of an undocumented installation failure are severe. Clearance to combustibles, venting configurations, gas line connections, and hearth dimensions are all code-mandated and all photographable. The installation record you produce is the difference between a clean inspection and a disputed one.
This guide covers the field documentation workflow for fireplace installation contractors — gas inserts, wood-burning fireplaces, and pellet stoves.
Fireplace installations are inspected. When an inspector or insurer reviews your work, they need to verify clearances, venting, and installation details that may be partially hidden behind drywall or mantels at the time of inspection. Photos taken during installation — before anything is covered up — are the only record of what’s inside the wall.
If a gas line connection is ever questioned, a chimney liner installation is disputed, or a clearance issue is raised after the fact, the timestamped installation photos are the evidence. Without them, the burden of proof falls entirely on the installer.
Photograph the existing firebox or opening, flue condition, hearth dimensions, surrounding combustibles, and any existing gas or electrical supply. If replacing an existing unit, photograph it before removal. Every photo is GPS-tagged and timestamped automatically in Manifold.
Photograph liner or flue pipe installation before it’s covered, clearance measurements at critical points, any structural penetrations and fire stopping, and gas line routing and connections before they’re concealed. These are the photos an inspector would want to see.
Photograph the unit positioned in the opening before final fixing, clearance dimensions at sides, top, and hearth, and gas connection at the appliance. For wood-burning units, photograph the damper and air control positions.
Use a photo-required checklist for final inspection: clearances confirmed and photographed, gas pressure tested and documented, unit fired and operating correctly, glass and surround fitted, hearth protection in place, client walkthrough complete. Each item locked until a photo is attached. One tap exports a branded PDF with the full installation record.
Photo plan — $16/user/month: GPS photo timelines, photo-required checklists, punch lists, PDF reports, client sharing. No seat minimums.
Photo+Scan plan — $24/user/month: Everything in Photo plus Orbit Measure 3D scanning — useful for documenting firebox dimensions or measuring alcove space for surround design.
No seat minimums, free trial, no credit card required.
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