Answers to Your Questions About Adding a Fireplace

Do you want to add coziness, luxury, and a conversation piece to your home? Then consider the value of installing one or more fireplaces. This simple addition can serve a variety of purposes, including boosting home value and making rooms more useful. To help you decide how, where, and why you should install a fireplace, here are some answers to your questions. 

Where Can You Put a Fireplace?

Today's homeowners will be glad to know that you can install a fireplace just about anywhere inside and outside your home.

While the most common place to use them is in a main public area of the house, such as the living room or an outside entertainment zone, they're also great for many other rooms. A fireplace turns a primary bedroom into a relaxing haven. They can be a cozy surprise in guest rooms. They add ambiance to dining rooms and can give structure to great rooms and open floor plans. 

What gives fireplaces this flexibility? First, you can opt for gas and faux fireplaces which do not need extensive venting, chimneys, and masonry. Second, fireplaces now come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes ranging from statement centerpieces to small, wall-mounted units. So the sky - or local zoning rules - is often the limit in terms of location.

How Much Does a Fireplace Cost?

Every home renovation project is different, so there's no one price to include a fireplace. You might be able to include a smaller unit for several hundred dollars or you could spend thousands on a large custom design. 

Premade designs featuring gas, gel, or propane are the most economical. If you want a wood-burning fireplace, you can expect to invest more in the accompanying structure. However, homeowners who are already renovating may find that it's cost-effective to add a fireplace while things are torn up. 

Is a Fireplace Practical?

While fireplaces were originally the primary source of heating and cooking in American homes, they are mostly decorative now. However, modern innovations have made fireplaces more practical for today's families. You can now turn on a fireplace as easily as the heater. It can comfortably heat a medium-to-small room, including a bedroom. And sealed (non-wood burning) fireplaces can be very energy efficient. 

What Are the Downsides to Fireplaces?

Of course, any home addition has its share of downsides. One of the most obvious with fireplaces is the fire danger. Even with safety-conscious modern designs, parents and those with pets should consider whether they can take sufficient precautions to protect everyone from open flames.

The other most common deterrent is the cost of installing the unit. While this can be kept in check by fireplace choice, it's always going to add to your remodeling budget. When doing the math, remember that initial cost is mitigated by the fact that wood-burning fireplaces are usually the cheapest to operate. Depending on prices in your area, gas and propane fireplaces can still be inexpensive in the long run. 

Most remaining challenges when it comes to fireplaces are for wood-burning fireplaces. With these, you need convenient storage areas for accessories and wood. You'll have to clean it out and the masonry and chimney require maintenance. Finally, you may experience ash or other dust in the room after using it regularly. 

Where Can You Learn More?

Ready to know more about adding a fireplace to your home? No matter where you think one would add the right touch or what your fireplace budget is, the best place to begin is by consulting with JO Contractors. We'll help you assess your needs and options to find the right addition to bring joy and warmth to your home. Call today to make an appointment.