There are millions of houses in America. The United States was built without fireplaces. The reason is that the construction of these homes was completed after 1973, at which point the incorporation of a fireplace into a house was made obsolete by numerous other more efficient and safer heating systems. However, the majority of US homeowners are in desperate need of one. It’s true that a fireplace will definitely add a sense of glamour and elegance to your house. But before you jump in and put in the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of, you should consider the following questions:
1. Will it be in compliance with your city’s building code?
The vast array and variety of fireplaces that are available in the present day could make you think that it’s impossible to locate an appropriate model for your home. However, in the majority of instances, you must consider more than these choices and look at the installation requirements and whether they comply with the building codes for the area you live in. There are a few aspects, such as emissions, storage space for the gas/wood and chimney height, clearance of the pipes, and a myriad of other requirements to consider prior to deciding whether you want to buy a fireplace.
2. In which place would you put it?
If you’re planning to have to install the fireplace in your living room, this might not be a viable alternative when you’re in a tight space or have a strange-shaped space. It is a general rule the ideal location for the fireplace to be installed is in a place where it is able to serve multiple purposes. If it’s not able to serve this, then you may not ever be able to enjoy the full benefit.
3. Does its energy efficiency match up with the latest heating systems?
Most of the time, when you think of a fireplace, people imagine traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Although they are unique in their attraction, the problem with them is that they need an indoor environment for combustion, and the majority of the heat is lost via the chimney. So, if you don’t want to drain your savings account to pay huge heating costs in the winter months, you should opt for sealed units that come with thermal loss controls or outdoor ventilation systems.
4. Does your budget permit you to invest in this kind of purchase?
It’s a bit negative experience, but I did consider that the entire cost of installing fireplaces could easily be more than $20,000. This isn’t the only expense to be expected because they need regular maintenance and cleaning by an expert. Additionally, you’ll be paying for gas, oil or wood from your pockets. For gas, fireplaces have to speak with an authorized contractor to arrange to set up gas lines that are specifically designed for them.
5. How long will it take to recover the cost of the initial purchase?
If you intend to sell your house in the near future, it is likely that the fireplace would be a popular feature for prospective buyers. But, as per the real estate professionals, nobody would be willing to spend more than $1200 on average to get a fireplace, a figure that is relatively modest when you consider the initial cost of the investment.