Planning a stone fireplace surround with a client

A stone fireplace surround starts with a consultation at the client's home: look at the room, the chimney breast and the opening, agree the style and the stone, take accurate measurements, and find out what will burn in it — an open fire, a wood stove, gas or nothing at all. That last answer decides clearances, the hearth and who else is involved. Then send a drawing and a quote, confirm details with the fire installer, and plan the fitting day with the client once the stone is cut.

Ask the client to show you photos of surrounds they like, and look at the room: period features, ceiling height, floor, the colour of the walls. Bring samples of the stones you work with — limestone, sandstone, slate, granite — and explain how each one wears, stains and ages near heat. A simple, well-proportioned surround in the right stone can suit a room better than an ornate one.

When an old surround comes out, the wall behind it can hide surprises: a damaged lintel, loose brickwork, an opening that isn't square. Explain to the client that you'll only know once it's off, and price the removal and making good separately so the quote stays honest if extra work appears.

A hearth in front of an open fire or a stove has to meet the size and material rules where you work and the appliance maker's instructions. Ask early whether a stove, an open fire or a gas fire is planned, and who is installing it. The installer will tell you the clearances to combustible materials and how the surround and hearth must relate to the appliance. Agree with them who does what, in which order.

One workable order is: chimney checked and lined if needed, hearth laid, surround fitted, appliance installed and commissioned. Every project is different, so confirm the sequence with the installer and the client, and make sure the dates fit together. A surround fitted before the flue liner is in may have to come off again.

Send the client a simple drawing with dimensions and the stone chosen, and ask for approval in writing. For an irregular wall or an old opening, a template made on site avoids surprises when the cut stone arrives. Tell the client the lead time from approval to fitting, including stone supply and cutting, and the date by which any other trades must be finished.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. Create a "Fireplace consultation" service and open slots at times that suit home visits, such as late afternoon or Saturday morning. Clients book with their name, email and phone and can describe the room and what will burn in the fireplace in the optional note, which you read in your new-booking email. In the description, ask them to have photos of surrounds they like ready. Once the drawing is approved, book the template visit and the fitting day yourself from your calendar.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own. If the stone arrives late and the fitting must move, reschedule it from your bookings list and tell the client yourself, since Book doesn't email clients about changes. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.