Pesky "Installed by licensed contractor" insurance requirement.

I am plotting on the legal side of building a batch box rocket in my home, specifically a DSR2.

I have inquired with my insurance company (Allstate) as to what their wood heat requirements are. And frankly I was surprised. They don't care what kind of heater it is, and burning stuff does not add liability in and of itself. The policy increase is the "cost to rebuild" which would now include the burning appliance. So essentially insuring the appliance, not the risk that it brings. Weird. And yes, I am very clear in my written communications with people like this.

Fortunately there are no building codes where I live. The one insurer stipulation is that it be "installed by a licensed contractor" which I prove by sending the agent a copy of my contract with the contractor. Which is an issue because anyone I asked to build me a Double Shoebox Rocket Mass Heater would probably hang up the phone and block my number :)

How would you approach this with a contractor? My only thought is that if I build the thing and pay a contractor to install my chimney liner and connect the stovepipe, that would count as "installing a masonry heater." Any thoughts/experiences most welcome.  

that sounds like a plan get contractor to do some work might just cover you so you'll be in good hands

Hey Matt;
My first question is, was there going to be a contractor already on site?
Or would you bring one in just for the stove?
I am going to assume it would be just for the stove.
I would have a contractor install the liner and then install a heat shield where your single wall pipe will be.   You don't need that heat shield but it would  sound good on paper.
And the contractor would feel better.
The single wall pipe connecting the bell to the chimney you install yourself after you build your sidewinder!

You may find that you can find a contractor that won't bat an eye at your request, or one that flat-out refuses because they won't want the liability.  I would think having no building codes would be a big help in that area. I would use the friend-of-a-friend networking method and try to track someone down that is interested enough in what you are doing that they are open to the idea.

Barring that, in most states it is pretty easy to get a contractor's license.  If you can't find a contractor, it may be worthwhile to become a contractor.  The pleasant side-effect to that is that you could then do installs for other people in the area if you chose to.

I looked up the Missouri requirements, but it looks like licensing is handled at the local level, so you would have to do some digging.  I can tell you this much.  I have obtained business licenses for things I knew very little about, just so I could get business prices for materials.  It's far easier than most people think, and it's usually very inexpensive.

Matt, I think you're on to something. I would suggest involving a licensed contractor early, so that details like setback from flammables etc. are addressed pre-construction. Better still if your contractor understands masonry stoves in general. And yes, chimney installation by a pro sounds like a reasonable compromise.

I wonder if mentioning to your insurer that you're planning a custom-build masonry stove would be helpful?

BTW, I get that this "checkbox" is mostly CYA (and PITA). But I've seen some scary amateur stove installations too.