Gas or wood-burning, new build or rebuild - we install fireplaces in Chico homes with proper permits, correct flue sizing, and finishes that fit your home and the local air quality rules.

Fireplace installation in Chico covers everything from a gas insert in an existing opening to a full masonry fireplace and chimney built from scratch - most gas installations take one to two days after the permit is in hand, while a full masonry build runs five to ten working days.
Chico homeowners have a few things to think through that buyers in other parts of California do not. The Sacramento Valley Air Quality Management District enforces mandatory no-burn days in winter, which limits when wood-burning fireplaces can legally be used. That makes gas a more flexible option for many households. Older Chico homes - especially those built in the 1940s through 1960s - also require a structural assessment before installation begins, since framing, clearances, and existing chimney conditions vary widely in that era of construction.
If your existing chimney structure needs work before or alongside a new installation, we also offer stone veneer installation for surrounds and facing, and chimney repair to address any structural issues before a new firebox is installed.
If your home has an existing chimney with cracked mortar, spalling bricks, or visible gaps at the roofline, the structure may no longer be safe to use. This is especially common in Chico's older neighborhoods. A mason can assess whether the chimney can be restored or whether a new installation makes more sense.
If lighting a fire reliably fills your living room with smoke rather than sending it up the chimney, something is wrong with the draft. This can be caused by a damaged liner, an undersized flue, or a firebox that was never built correctly. A new installation with a properly designed firebox and correctly sized liner solves the problem for good.
If you keep hitting Sacramento Valley Air Quality Management District no-burn days that prevent you from using a wood-burning fireplace, that is a signal worth acting on. Switching to a gas fireplace or a certified low-emission insert gives you the warmth and ambiance you want without the restrictions.
A persistent smell of smoke when the fireplace is not in use can mean your damper is not sealing properly or the liner has cracks allowing gases to seep into the house. This is a safety issue, not just a nuisance. A mason can inspect the firebox and flue and tell you whether a repair or full replacement is the right call.
We install gas fireplaces, prefabricated wood-burning units, and full custom masonry fireplaces with brick or stone chimneys throughout Chico. Every installation includes a site assessment, written estimate, permit application, and inspection coordination - nothing is left for you to navigate on your own.
If your project includes finishing work around the firebox opening, we can incorporate stone veneer installation for the surround. If the chimney that will serve your new fireplace needs structural repair before work begins, our chimney repair team handles that as a first step so the full project moves forward cleanly.
Best for Chico homeowners who want year-round use without wood-burning restrictions - typically faster and less expensive to install.
Suited to homeowners who want a traditional wood-burning hearth with custom brick or stone that adds lasting value to the home.
A middle-ground option for homeowners who want the look of a traditional fireplace with a shorter installation timeline.
Right for Chico homes with an existing chimney structure that needs updating - the liner and firebox are replaced while the exterior masonry is retained.
Chico winters are mild compared to most of the country, but cold snaps do roll through from November into February and a fireplace makes a real difference on those evenings. The bigger local factor is air quality. The Sacramento Valley Air Quality Management District enforces mandatory no-burn curtailment days throughout the winter season, and on those days lighting a wood-burning fireplace is illegal. A contractor who understands those rules can help you choose a fireplace type - and in some cases a specific certified unit - that fits how you actually want to use it, rather than one that sits idle half the time. The 2018 Camp Fire also prompted many Chico homeowners to think harder about wildfire safety, and a well-fitted chimney cap and top-sealing damper are practical additions that keep smoke and embers out when the fireplace is not in use.
Older Chico neighborhoods have a significant share of homes with existing chimneys that were built to older standards and have not been used or inspected in years. Homeowners in Paradise, CA and Red Bluff, CA with older homes face the same structural questions. A site assessment before any installation begins is the single most important step in avoiding cost surprises - and any contractor who skips it is one worth passing on.
Reach out and we will schedule a time to see your home in person before giving you a price. We look at where you want the fireplace, assess the wall or exterior where the chimney would run, and check gas line access if you are considering gas. Site visits are free and carry no obligation. We reply within one business day.
After the site visit you receive a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and the permit fee. We explain the permit process clearly and handle the application on your behalf - in Chico all new fireplace installations require a permit before work begins.
Before work begins, clear the area around the installation site - furniture, rugs, and wall decor within several feet of the work zone. For a gas insert or prefabricated unit the crew typically completes installation in one to two days. A full masonry fireplace takes five to ten working days.
Once installation is complete the building inspector visits to verify the work meets current safety standards. Your contractor is present for the inspection and handles any adjustments. You receive the final inspection record to keep with your home documents, then we walk you through your first fire.
Free on-site estimate. Written quote before any work starts. Permit handled for you. We reply within one business day.
(530) 399-1739All fireplace installations in Chico require a permit from the City of Chico Building Division. We handle the application, coordinate the inspection, and keep you updated - so you never have to navigate that process yourself. Your installation is documented and protected.
Chimney Safety Institute of AmericaThe Sacramento Valley Air Quality Management District enforces no-burn days in Chico every winter. We help you choose a fireplace type that works within local air quality regulations - so you are not surprised by restrictions after the job is done and you can use your fireplace on the nights that matter.
Many Chico homes were built in the 1940s through 1970s, and what is behind the walls is not always what you would hope. Before we quote a single dollar, we assess your existing structure - including any chimney, framing, or gas line conditions - so complications are caught before they become your problem midway through the project.
The liner inside your chimney must be correctly sized for the firebox to draw properly. A flue that is too large or too small will smoke, smell, or fail to perform. We size every liner to the specific firebox we build, which is one of the details that separates a fireplace you enjoy for decades from one you are always trying to fix.
A fireplace is one of the most visible features in a home, and a poor installation shows for years. We take the time to assess your specific structure, match the installation to your actual usage patterns and local air quality rules, and finish the job so it looks and performs the way you pictured it.
For the most current air quality curtailment rules in Chico, visit the Sacramento Valley Air Quality Management District. For California building standards related to fireplace and chimney construction, see the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Finish your fireplace surround with natural or manufactured stone veneer for a custom, polished look.
Learn MoreRepair or reline an existing chimney before a new firebox is installed so the full system performs safely.
Learn MorePermit season fills up fast - lock in your start date now so your fireplace is ready before the cold weather hits this year.