2008 - March 16 - The Best Part of Anything is in the Delivery: Ventless Gel Fireplaces Deliver
By: Jessica Brylan
The Ventless Gel Fireplace experience is one you'll not soon forget. From ordering online to setting the fire and enjoying the ambiance, you'll be excited every step of the way.
Ordering your ventless gel fireplace and you can't wait for it to arrive. The process only takes about a week to two weeks. Normally, you only have to wait a little longer than a week. But, the UPS man delivers your fireplace and you look it at in the box with two things on your mind.
The first is, I can't wait to get it out and get it going. You want to have a fire in your fireplace that night. It's as if you have waited long enough, now you literally want it to jump out of the box and be ready. But, that brings you to your next question.
How in the world does it fit in that little box? When my first one came, I looked at it for several minutes. I was dying to open the box, but it was amazing to me. I was trying to figure out how it fit in the box before I opened it and revealed the mystery.
When I opened the box, I realized everything that I had imagined in my head was wrong. It wasn't packaged in the box in any way I had thought at all. The box wasn't small at all, but it didn't look as if it could have a fireplace in it.
The many pieces and the instructions were masterfully packaged with little room to spare. After looking at the instructions, I realized I only had about eleven steps. Then, it was time to light a Sunjel Gel Fuel can and enjoy the fire.
There is an interesting video that shows how to put the Ventless Gel Fireplace together and in it the commentator shows how he put a Ventless Gel Fireplace together in about 30 minutes. The video only takes about 5 minutes to watch, but it shows every step of the way.
And sitting by the fireplace he had finished, with fire blazing, he talks about how he edited for bloopers and he took the monotonous activities out like screwing screws and putting up the curtain. But, then he mentions how much heat is kicking out of the fireplace. Now, that's a fire!
2008-March 18 - The Novelty of a Ventless Gel Fireplace
By: Jessica Brylan
From the time I first installed a ventless gel fireplace in my home, it has been a novelty even though it also functions rather well. I used to have friends and family who would want me to fire it up just because they wanted to see it work. All the talking I was doing wasn’t good enough.
When my grandfather first saw my ventless gel fireplace, he looked at it like it was from another planet. He asked me fifty questions first before he asked to see it work.
“Does that thing work or is it just for show?” (It works.)
“Well, does it plug into the wall?” (No. No. No need for that.)
“It has actual fire in it? Where do you put the fire?” (Yeah, it’s an actual fire. Let me show you.)
The ventless gel concept threw him off quite a bit. I had to break out a can of Sunjel gel fuel and show him how it worked.
“So, you put a candle in it?” (No. This is no candle.)
“Well, it can’t throw much heat?” (You’d be surprised.)
“Wow, I can feel it over here. And that’s all there is to it huh?” (Yes, not much to it at all.)
“Well, don’t that just beat all!” He was genuinely impressed. And that comes from a guy who isn’t impressed much about innovation. He’s the kind of guy who thought the television was a step in the wrong direction. That was until he realized how much faster people can gain information from watching the news and hearing special reports. What really changed his mind was seeing the president of the United States for the first time. He had never in his lifetime known what any of his presidents looked like until he watched his first televised Union Address.
After all my friends and family had been introduced to the awesome ventless gel fireplace concept, it still never lost its novelty. My daughter will ask me to put the air conditioner on in the dead of summer when the heat is sweltering outside, and then want me to fire up the fireplace. At night after the evening sets and she’s ready to wind down, she’ll ask me to “Turn on the Fireplace.” Turn it on like there’s a switch. She’ll sit on her bed watching television and enjoying the fireplace. It never gets old.
I know…No, I can rest assured knowing that I have done the right thing all these years by suggesting the ventless gel fireplace to people who need home improvement needs. I have never hesitated to bring it up because it’s something I believe that strongly about.
2008- March 20 - Installing Fireplaces in Homes that Have None
By: Jessica Brylan
I remember getting a phone call from a client of mine who was mulling over installing a fireplace. Of course, that's my favorite topic. So, I insisted we meet at the house and talk it over.
When I arrived, her and her husband met me at the door. As we walked in the house, I remember asking her where she wanted her fireplace. Her husband and I talked a minute while she looked around and pointed out about three different places. They hadn't decided yet and it was clear to me who was going to be doing the deciding.
When I asked him how he felt, he told me the decision was up to her. Anything that makes her happy will make him happy. I love that answer. So, I started to work.
The first spot she pointed out wasn't going to work at all. There was an outlet too close to where the structure would have to be. Electricity can be around a fireplace, but not too close. If you have to remove an outlet and move wiring in order to install a fireplace, there's too much work involved. That's not your place.
As I told her this, she started to understand all the major work that was involved in building a fireplace. I informed her of the chimney and all the structure that would have to be torn down as well as what was involved in putting a chimney in place. I could see her wince at the idea of having a hole put in her wall and the wall practically destroyed. That's the way she comprehended it anyway.
It's hard for someone to commit to that kind of change. It's hard to see at first and I've had problems with clients along the way because they just didn't like the idea of having flooring torn up and walls busted. But when it's finished, it's beautiful. About $10,000 later.
Installing a fireplace in a home is time consuming and money consuming. But, a fireplace is always worth the hassle. I just have to walk clients through the thought process once in awhile so they can make better decisions.
Her husband was nodding when I talked about the work being involved and the destruction of a perfectly good wall. It's as if he knew that's what it takes. She was not so happy. So, I offered her suggestions.
"Ok, let's not destroy the wall. Let's just put a hole in it so we can run venting out the back."
"Really?" he said.
"Sure." That's not a problem at all.
I didn't invent this idea. But, I have perfected it over the years. We simply create a mock fireplace unit in front of the wall. It can be created with wood, stone or concrete. Sometimes to make things a little simpler, we can simply put a fireplace insert into a wooden structure made of 2X4s and plywood. Then, mock it over with a stone look. Different from the wood and stone fireplace that requires materials like Oak, Mahogany or Granite, Bluestone...etc.
We provide insulation between the fireplace and the wall. It only protrudes out from the wall about three feet. And venting is run through the wall instead of through the roof. Costs are much less. And the look is only a little bit different to a person who grew up always seeing a fireplace in the wall.
The next part that almost brought tears to her eyes was when I started to mention tearing up the floor. I had to assure her that it wouldn't be the entire floor, just where the hearth was going to go. That's normally where I lose a great deal of clients too. They want to know if the floor is going to be damaged.
"Is it going to look the way it was before the destruction began?"
Well, of course I would make sure of that. But then again, it's what goes through a client's mind when they start imagining the destruction taking place before they get their fireplace. Remember, it's not just a 3' X 4' section. You have to add at least another foot to the front of the fireplace, but I prefer a nice 1 - 1/2' to 2' hearth extending from the front of the fireplace. Then, the client is worried that the wood floor will look natural as it runs into the hearth.
Here's that trick. Don't tear up the floor at all. Simply suggest that the hearth be built on top of the existing floor instead of set down in it. Now you have a fireplace that stands in front of the wall and stands above the floor with only a venting duct running through the wall and venting on the side of the house instead of through the roof.
Installing a fireplace in a home is time consuming and money consuming. But, a fireplace is always worth the hassle. I just have to walk clients through the thought process once in awhile so they can make better decisions.
Her husband was nodding when I talked about the work being involved and the destruction of a perfectly good wall. It's as if he knew that's what it takes. She was not so happy. So, I offered her suggestions.
"Ok, let's not destroy the wall. Let's just put a hole in it so we can run venting out the back."
"Really?" he said.
"Sure." That's not a problem at all.
I didn't invent this idea. But, I have perfected it over the years. We simply create a mock fireplace unit in front of the wall. It can be created with wood, stone or concrete. Sometimes to make things a little simpler, we can simply put a fireplace insert into a wooden structure made of 2X4s and plywood. Then, mock it over with a stone look. Different from the wood and stone fireplace that requires materials like Oak, Mahogany or Granite, Bluestone...etc.
We provide insulation between the fireplace and the wall. It only protrudes out from the wall about three feet. And venting is run through the wall instead of through the roof. Costs are much less. And the look is only a little bit different to a person who grew up always seeing a fireplace in the wall.
The next part that almost brought tears to her eyes was when I started to mention tearing up the floor. I had to assure her that it wouldn't be the entire floor, just where the hearth was going to go. That's normally where I lose a great deal of clients too. They want to know if the floor is going to be damaged.
"Is it going to look the way it was before the destruction began?"
Well, of course I would make sure of that. But then again, it's what goes through a client's mind when they start imagining the destruction taking place before they get their fireplace. Remember, it's not just a 3' X 4' section. You have to add at least another foot to the front of the fireplace, but I prefer a nice 1 - 1/2' to 2' hearth extending from the front of the fireplace. Then, the client is worried that the wood floor will look natural as it runs into the hearth.
Here's that trick. Don't tear up the floor at all. Simply suggest that the hearth be built on top of the existing floor instead of set down in it. Now you have a fireplace that stands in front of the wall and stands above the floor with only a venting duct running through the wall and venting on the side of the house instead of through the roof.
Continuing this interesting episode in my life, I thought that it was about time to suggest other alternatives. A real fireplace is tricky especially when you start talking about venting that is run out the back instead of installing an entire chimney. But, a hearth and fireback installed out from the wall keeps us from destroying perfectly good walls and floors.
There are other alternatives. When she asked me about gas, I had to go through the same explanations. When you install gas, you have to go through the floor at least to install a gas line. But, the rest of the fireplace is exactly the same. You can tear up the floor to install a hearth. You can tear up the wall to install a chimney. Or you can create a hearth and a fireback away from the wall, above the floor and vent it out through the wall instead of up through the roof. And I say once again, you still have to install the gas line.
It is easier to light, but there are problems you can face. If you ever have a problem with your gas line, a problem that is very rare, you could lose your house. Gas and fire is merciless when it comes to putting the two together. And most of the time, they don't give any warning.
Another option is the electric fireplace. It's the easiest of the options so far. Plug it into the wall and enjoy the fire. It was a good idea years ago. But, the first power outage gave everyone a good idea that the electric fireplace was not a good idea. You will need a backup source either way you look at it. So if you need a backup source, why have that source in the first place?
This is my favorite part of the conversation. This is about the time I say, "Now you know why I like the Ventless Gel Fireplace so much..."
That's when I finally get the response, "Ok, tell me more about that!"
The Ventless Gel Fireplace is exactly what it says it is. It doesn't need a chimney or a vent of any kind. When you light the Gel in the firebox, you get a clean fire that doesn't produce any smoke or fumes. So, you can enjoy your fire hassle free. The fireplace itself is easy to install. Some only take about ten minutes to assemble and put in place. It depends on the type of fireplace you choose.
The Ventless Gel Fireplace has accommodated places where fireplaces normally weren't welcome. Condominium units where it would be impossible to install separate venting systems. Apartments where it would not be feasible to install hearths and chimneys. Ventless fireplaces have been taken on the road for camping trips. It is the ultimate in an easy, hassle free fireplace experience.
You can price a traditional fireplace and discuss all the work involved. You can talk about gas and electric alternatives if you want to do so. But, the Ventless Gel Fireplace is the only alternative that provides an actual fire with cozy warmth hassle free, maintenance free and mess free. That's what my clients finally decided to get and they've been very happy with their decision.
2008-March 25- A Story About a Half a Million Dollar Condominium and the Fireplace
By: Jessica Brylan
It was an amazing weekend. My friend Renee and I were invited to Toronto to spend an exciting evening out and then the following day looking at a condominium. Well, the weekend was actually all about the condominium. The evening out was just a bribe to get us there.
No, I wasn't buying. I wasn't even thinking of buying. Mary, my Canadian friend was thinking of buying.
I was sipping a glass of wine when I almost lost it. Almost half a million dollars was what it was going to cost Mary to buy a penthouse. Renee and I composed ourselves after our brief heart attacks and continued the conversation.
Let me see, I believe my first words were, "Uh, what? How much did you say?"
My following words were, "What is in this wine? Am I hearing you right?"
Ok, now I was excited about the condominium. At first, I was only excited about visiting Mary in Toronto. But, the mention of half a million dollars and I forgot her name or where I was. When the name "Mary" popped back into my head, I wanted to run out and see the condominium and I mean now. Mary kept telling me that our appointment wasn't until the following day.
So, this is what it's like to be Mary these days. Did she actually have the money to buy a half a million dollar penthouse suite? I didn't care. I was going to see one anyway.
A two story suite. Marble bathroom counters. Hardwood flooring. A stainless steel kitchen. All the things I absolutely adore in this world after children and puppies. A huge terrace. A whirlpool tub. The amazement never ended.
But, the real estate agent did happen to throw a hook toward Renee and me when she mentioned condominiums that would be open in 2008. We were at the WellingtonPark condominiums and those suites were almost gone. At half a million and higher per suite, someone is very well off these days. But, the WestHarbourCity condominiums were entering phase 3 and people were registering.
She started to talk to us about how much less expensive the WestHarbourCity condominiums would be. I guess that's because Renee and I could not quit looking at features and whispering, "A half a million dollars!" Shaking our heads must have given us away quite easily.
The WestHarbourCity condominiums would go for a quarter of a million dollars. Actually, the real estate agent said that they were going for "$249,000," which immediately transfers in my brain as a quarter of a million dollars. Then, she floored me.
She looked at me and said, "These Wellington Park condominiums don't have fireplaces. If a buyer here wants one, they have to purchase it themselves and we only allow a certain kind to be installed. But, we have taken it upon ourselves to accommodate the WestHarbourCity condominiums with ventless gel fireplaces. Are you familiar with those?"
"Quite familiar," I said, "I've installed a few myself."
A quarter of a million dollar condominium, still a little out of my reach. But, WestHarbourCity has recognized the value of the ventless gel fireplace. And I would have to say that was the highlight of my stay.
2008-March 27
By: Jessica Brylan
In my early years working with my dad, we had some good times on the home improvement jobs we were given. I loved the demolition part of the work. It was putting it all back together that was the tricky part.
I remember my first fireplace. That’s what helped me make my mind up about home improvement. If you’re going to do a job, do it right the first time and I mean DO IT RIGHT.
The owner of the house selected the spot in the living room. Now, my first reaction was how in the world is there a house that exists without a fireplace. But, that was in my early years with not much experience in home improvement. Since then I’ve learned, there are quite a bit of houses that come without fireplaces.
Well, we picked the most exact place from where the owner had marked for us. We measured up the studs and found where to put our hole. Now, it’s my job. Time to get the hammer.
We gutted out the wall and it was time for my dad to throw in his expertise. But, he trusted one of his employees to do the hard work while he worked on other jobs and supervised this one. I’ve got to tell you something. The worker had been one of his best workers for years. But, he messed up on this one.
The fireplace was halfway built and that’s when dad discovered a problem. You know what that meant for me? Time to get the hammer again.
Tearing down a fireplace isn’t as fun when you know that it’s costing your dad some major money and a headache from the owner who trusted him. Dad finished the job himself and put his worker on other jobs he knew he could handle.
I never want to have to go through that again. It’s easier to just suggest to everyone that they look into a ventless gel fireplace. Because things happen. And even the most experienced home improvement expert can make mistakes every once in awhile.
