Do I need a permit to install a shower?

Yes, if you’re adding or moving plumbing, changing walls, or installing a new drain system.

Can I replace a toilet without a permit?

Typically yes, as long as it's a simple swap with no plumbing modifications.

How much is a bathroom remodel permit in [City/State]?

Depends on your location, but averages range between $100–$500. Check with your local building office.

Can a contractor pull the permit for me?

Yes, licensed contractors like Compassion Construction typically handle permits on your behalf.

What if my previous remodel didn’t have one?

You may need to get a retroactive permit or correct unpermitted work. Consult your city’s building department for options.

Gas Fireplace Care: How Much Maintenance Is Necessary?

Kime Brittain • September 17, 2025

A gas fireplace is a great addition to any home, providing warmth and ambiance during the colder months. But like any appliance, it requires regular maintenance to make sure it continues to work efficiently and safely. The following will discuss some important tips for gas fireplace repair and maintenance that every homeowner should know.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Gas fireplace with burning flames, surrounded by dark green marble.

Gas fireplaces are a popular choice for homeowners due to their convenience, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. But gas fireplaces require regular maintenance for optimal performance and safety. In the following, we will explore the importance of gas fireplace maintenance and discuss how much maintenance is necessary to keep your fireplace in top condition.

The Benefits of Gas Fireplaces

Before looking at the finer details of gas fireplace maintenance, let’s first understand why gas fireplaces are so popular among homeowners.

Gas fireplaces offer homeowners a range of attractive benefits that explain their immense popularity. Foremost among these benefits is convenience – with a gas fireplace, you can enjoy instant warmth with the mere flick of a switch, eliminating the need to gather messy firewood or wait for a fire to be built.

Gas fireplaces are also highly efficient energy-wise, converting more fuel to usable heat compared to old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces. This helps reduce costly energy bills. Cleanliness is another major advantage, as gas fireplaces produce no bothersome ashes, soot, or smoke like their wood-burning counterparts, cutting down on required cleaning and maintenance.

Finally, gas fireplaces now come in such a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs and styles that homeowners can select a model to beautifully complement their home’s existing decor. With this outstanding combination of instant convenience, energy efficiency, less cleaning, and attractive styling, it is easy to understand the surging popularity of gas fireplaces among today’s homeowners.

The Importance of Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Gas fireplace maintenance is crucial for several reasons, including the following…

Gas fireplaces involve combustion, and issues with gas supply or ventilation can pose safety risks. Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential safety concerns.

Over time, dust, debris, and other particles can accumulate in the fireplace, affecting its efficiency and performance. Routine maintenance helps to make sure the fireplace operates at its peak efficiency.

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your gas fireplace. By identifying and addressing minor issues early on, you can prevent major repairs or replacements down the line.

Professional Gas Services

While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it is recommended to enlist the help of professional gas services for more comprehensive maintenance and inspections. Professional gas services, such as NOVA Gas, have the expertise and tools to help guarantee your gas fireplace is in top condition.

NOVA Gas is a leading provider of professional gas services, installations, and repairs. With over 10 years of experience, NOVA Gas delivers high-quality services and a top beginning-to-end client experience. Our team of experts excels in communication, on-site organization, and quality work.

When it comes to gas fireplace maintenance, NOVA Gas offers a range of services, including inspections (a thorough inspection by NOVA Gas professionals can identify potential issues and safety concerns); cleaning (NOVA Gas technicians can clean the gas fireplace, including the burners, logs, and glass doors, to promote optimal performance); and gas line checks (NOVA Gas can inspect gas supply lines and connections to make sure there are no leaks or damage).

Need Some Friendly Assistance with Your Fireplace Maintenance?

Regular maintenance is needed to keep your gas fireplace operating safely and efficiently. While homeowners can perform some maintenance tasks, it is advisable to seek professional gas services, such as NOVA Gas, for a more thorough inspection and maintenance.

Whether you need gas fireplace repairs, installations, or assistance with gas lines for new fireplaces, NOVA Gas has you covered. Contact NOVA Gas today at 703-424-5467 or through our online form to bring expertise to your next project.