Orion 76 Electric Fireplace Installation in South Barrington

By Chimney Monkey · Updated October 2026 · South Barrington, IL

Chimney Monkey is an NCSG member company with a 4.9-star rating across more than 1,100 reviews. We install, repair, and redesign fireplaces for homeowners across Chicago, the North Shore, and the northwest suburbs. Below, we walk through the project step by step, using the job’s own scope and process photos.

Project scope

• Orion 76-inch Multi Linear electric built-in fireplace, installed and configured
• Removal of the existing fireplace facing
• New facing material plus additional skim coating
• Custom-built mantel, built and installed
• Interior electrical connection and an outlet inside the firebox

What Did This South Barrington Fireplace Project Include?

The project included five parts: the electric fireplace, a full reface, surface finishing, a custom mantel, and electrical work. Above all, the Orion 76-inch Multi Linear unit was the centerpiece. However, the scope listed the appliance separately from the work needed to build a finished fireplace around it.

Project Components at a Glance

How Was the Fireplace Rebuilt, Step by Step?

The fireplace was rebuilt in six stages, from demolition to the finished surround. In particular, each photo below shows one stage of the work hidden behind the final finish.

1. 

   Remove the old facing

   First, the crew opened up the existing surround and removed the old decorative facing around the firebox.

2. 

   Prepare the opening

   Next, the crew prepped the hearth and opening while floor coverings protected the room.

3. 

   Add reinforcement

   Then, reinforcement mesh gave the new reface material a solid base to grip.

4. 

   Form the hearth

   After that, temporary wood forms set clean, straight edges for the new lower hearth.

5. 

   Build the surface

   Meanwhile, plastic sheeting protected the central opening as fresh reface material cured inside the forms.

6. 

   Refine the surround

   Finally, the surround began to read as one continuous feature, ready for skim coating and finish work.

Why Was the Reface Separate From the Electric Fireplace?

The reface was separate because the appliance and the surround do different jobs. For instance, the electric fireplace creates the flame effect and optional heat. Meanwhile, the reface decides how the fireplace fits into the room.

As a result, homeowners can choose the electric unit first and then plan the materials around it. Our electric fireplace installation service also covers recessed installs and buildouts. In those projects, the unit becomes part of a finished wall or existing opening.

Does a Built-In Electric Fireplace Need New Electrical Work?

A built-in electric fireplace often needs new electrical work, depending on the model and the existing wiring. Specifically, in this South Barrington home, the scope included an interior electrical connection and a new outlet inside the firebox area.

So before installation begins, the proposal should state exactly what connection the unit requires. That way, no one scrambles to add wiring on the last day of the project.

How Does a Custom Mantel Change the Finished Fireplace?

Above all, a custom mantel sets the proportions and style of the finished fireplace. For this project, our team custom built the mantel and installed it above the new 76-inch unit as its own scope item.

Mantel size matters more with a wide linear fireplace, since the unit stretches the design horizontally. For that reason, we also offer a dedicated fireplace mantel installation service for homeowners upgrading an existing fireplace or finishing a new design.

What Can Homeowners Learn From This Remodel?

The main lesson is that “install an electric fireplace” can mean very different projects. Some installs use an existing finished opening with little surrounding work. Others, however, become full fireplace remodels like this one.

• First, evaluate the existing surround and decide whether it stays.
• Next, match the appliance, electrical needs, and finished dimensions.
• Then, let the reface and mantel tie everything into one design.

Therefore, compare proposals on the full scope, not just the fireplace model. After all, the surrounding construction can be a large share of the final project.

Questions to Ask Before an Electric Fireplace Remodel

1. Will the existing surround stay or go? First, clarify whether the project keeps the current finish or includes a complete reface.
2. What electrical work does the fireplace need? Then, confirm whether existing wiring works or new electrical work belongs in the scope.
3. Does the price include mantel installation? A mantel is often a separate design and install item, so check the proposal.
4. What finish work does the proposal cover? Also ask about demolition, new facing, skim coating, painting, and other finishing steps.
5. Which items are separate line items? Finally, reviewing the appliance, reface, mantel, and electrical work separately makes the total scope clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orion 76 Electric Fireplace Installation in South Barrington: The Takeaway

Overall, this project brought several fireplace trades into one coordinated scope. It covered electric fireplace installation, refacing, custom mantel work, and interior electrical prep. In other words, the visible finish is only the last step. Before that, demolition, preparation, reinforcement, forming, and finishing all come first.

Planning something similar? Chimney Monkey provides electric fireplace installation, mantel installation, and fireplace design and finishing throughout the Chicago area. Plus, you can reach us anytime through our contact page.

Not sure what service your home needs? Start with a professional evaluation so the system can be identified, the visible conditions can be documented, and the right next step can be recommended.