The questions people ask before buying a stove
Short answers, each with a link to where the fact comes from.
Do I need building control approval?
In England and Wales, fitting a solid-fuel or wood-burning stove is notifiable. A HETAS-registered installer registered for that work self-certifies it, so you don't apply to the council. Anyone else doing it, yourself included, means applying to building control first, probably with a fee.
Source: HETAS, regulations.
What is the Certificate of Compliance?
It's the Building Regulation Compliance Certificate issued after a HETAS-registered installer notifies the work. HETAS says it's needed for insurance and for selling the house, so file it with the deeds. Lost it? HETAS can reissue one.
Source: HETAS, regulations.
How much will it cost?
MyJobQuote's figures put a typical job at about £1,400 to £4,000+ with a sound chimney, £2,000 to £4,500+ if it needs sweeping and lining, and £2,500 to £6,000+ with no chimney. National typical prices including the stove and VAT, not a quote. Full breakdown
Source: MyJobQuote, log burner installation cost (updated 10 September 2026).
Does the chimney need a liner?
Not always. Approved Document J permits relining a defective flue and says a flue may need lining to suit the stove's size. An existing old metal liner should normally be replaced when the stove is. The installer checks. Chimneys and flues
No chimney. Can I still have one?
Usually. The stove connects to a factory-made insulated twin-wall flue running up through the house or up the outside wall. It costs more than using a chimney. How it works
Will I need planning permission?
On a house, normally not: a flue is permitted development unless it would rise a metre or more above the highest part of the roof, or in a conservation area, National Park or AONB would sit on a wall or roof slope facing a road at the front or side. Listed buildings and flats: ask the council.
Source: legislation.gov.uk, Class G.
Am I in a smoke control area?
Parts of Exeter are, and the council has a postcode map. Plymouth City Council says Plymouth has none. Defra's data shows no others in Devon, but the map is a guide only, so confirm with your council. Devon detail
Source: Defra UK-AIR.
Are log burners being banned?
Not on the latest reporting we found. In April 2026 Which? reported a Defra minister saying no final decision had been made, and that the consultation covered new stoves rather than ones already in homes.
Source: Which?, 14 April 2026.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
Yes. Approved Document J wants one in the same room when a new or replacement solid-fuel stove goes in, 1 to 3 metres from it. Landlords in England must fit one in any living room with a fixed combustion appliance. Alarm rules
How long does fitting take?
MyJobQuote says one to two days, depending on complexity, after a survey visit for the quote.
Source: MyJobQuote, log burner installation cost (updated 10 September 2026).
How often should it be swept?
HETAS encourages at least twice a year on wood and at least once a year on smokeless fuel, ideally before the heating season and after a long spell unused.
Source: HETAS, chimney sweeping.
What wood should I burn?
Dry wood. Since 1 May 2021, wood sold in England in loads under 2 cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn, 20% moisture or less. Larger loads come with drying instructions. In a smoke control area, wood only in a Defra-exempt stove.
Still got one?
Put it in the form and the installer will answer it. It reaches one HETAS-registered installer, who gets in touch to arrange a look at the job. Costs you nothing, commits you to nothing.