I'm a big advocate of checking out gas FPs in person, to see what looks good to you and what doesn't. I love the clean face units in theory, but in practice you can tell there's glass between you and the flame, which ruins the effect for me. I find I actually prefer units with screen in the doors, to obscure things just a bit. The exception to that are the Napolean models with lights inside-- sounds silly, but look great. OTOH, some of the units from big companies feature light colored interiors that look antiseptically clean-- doesn't sound bad, but looks awful.

I'm going mostly with Mendottas, which have excellent efficiency and turndown rates combined with very nice flames. The 'upgrades' like nickle doors are SUPER pricey, though.

But if I were you, I'd try to find the brand of the FP somewhere in the works. I'd want a dealer from the same company to check it out, just to be sure. Unless it was an off-brand, super cheap builder's special, it seems strange to me that no parts are available. I'm wondering if you mignt be at the same sort of disadvantage as taking a Toyota to a GM dealer for service. Theoretically possible, but you are gonna get hosed.