How to install new electric fire within fireplace?

[newfireplace]

Hi,

I m buying a new fireplace http://www.fireplace.co.uk/online-s...ireplaces/product-104/walton-marble-fireplace and would like to fit an electic fir such as this one http://www.fireplace.co.uk/online-s...ectric-fires/product-242/valor-nano-dimension

I thought about getting the wall hanging ones which would have meant no need for a fireplace, but the problem with them is that having it one the wall means they will stick out a little because I won't be able to make an opening in the wall as I am not really a DIY person. Althought having it fit inside the wall with only the front sticking out (bit like some people do with plasma TVs) would look nice. Even if I to get builder to dig up the wall, it would be a wall that provides structural support. Would it be possible to make an opening on the kind of surface?

My questions are following:

1) How realistic are the flames produced by these electric fires?

2) Is the electric fire connected by a standard plug?

3) Do I need a professional installer to fit the fireplace surround (like the Walton fireplace shown above), or is it simply a case of just lining it up against the wall where you wnat to place it?

4) Is an inset fire (like the one shown above) easy to install inside the fireplace (like the one shown above)? Would someone like myself with very little experience of doing handy work around the home, be able to do it?

Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1. Depends on the eye of the beholder. Go and see one working.
   
2. Ask the maker or retailer.
   
3. IHNI how hard they are to fit - you need to look at one in the flesh and look at the installation instructions and decide if you can do it. I would caution against making something like this your first DIY project.
   
4. Ditto