5 Things To Consider Before Installing A Fireplace In Your Home
Here are five points you need to consider before installing a fireplace in your home.
29/07/2021
One of the beautiful and functional pieces you can add to your home is a fireplace. Having a fireplace can quickly elevate your home’s aesthetic and boost your property value. Moreover, a fireplace also brings numerous benefits to the home occupants. For instance, a fireplace can provide indoor heat, especially during the cold season, and it can also be a good source of light in case a power outage happens in your area. Lastly, regardless of what type of fireplace you’ll install, having one can help reduce your energy bill each month when you use the fireplace regularly.
With the plethora of benefits you get from having a fireplace, perhaps you’re now considering installing one in your home. However, you can’t just quickly install a fireplace without careful planning. There are things you’ll need to prepare, as installing a fireplace is a complex matter.
To guide you, here are five things to consider before installing a fireplace in your home:
1. Function And Placement
Before choosing the type of fireplace you’ll order, you first need to know your primary purpose for installing a fireplace. Are you installing one mainly for decorative purposes, or do you also want it to be functional? Knowing your purpose will help you figure out what type of fireplace to get and where you can place it in your home.
Most often, people who install a fireplace for decorative purposes or visual appeal place it wherever they want to as long as it enhances the space. Meanwhile, those who buy a fireplace to provide indoor heat effectively need to place it in an area where it can easily spread warmth to the entire room.
Typically, the best type of fireplace for practical use is the gas fireplace. Still, for more references, you can check out numerous fireplace Toronto stores and ask professionals about which type of fireplace will function best for your home.
2. Size And Shape
After knowing your purpose for installing a fireplace and deciding its placement, the next thing you need to consider is the fireplace’s size and shape. Since you already have a location for your fireplace, use this as a reference in deciding what size you should install.
If you’ve allotted a spacious area for the fireplace, then there’s no problem if you want to get a large fireplace to decorate your room. Meanwhile, it’s best to go for electric fireplaces if you only have limited space, as they usually fit better into narrow walls and spaces. An additional reminder—regardless of whether you’re buying a large or small fireplace, make sure it doesn’t completely dominate the entire space and overwhelm the rest of the room's decorative features.
3. Budget
Another important consideration when installing a fireplace is your budget. Having a fireplace doesn’t only entail a one-time expense. You also need to consider your budget for its future running costs. For instance, installing a wood-burning fireplace may be more costly than other types. However, the cost of operating this type of fireplace is significantly less than the other types, especially if you already have access to firewood. Meanwhile, buying a gas fireplace is cheaper than an electric fireplace. However, a gas fireplace may involve higher future running costs than the electric one due to its need for a vent system.
4. Safety And Building Codes
Every locality has its own laws regarding safety norms and building regulations in installing a fireplace, especially the wood-burning type. See to it first that your state allows you to install a fireplace in your home. If not, you can go for gas or electric fireplaces as an alternative.
Next, you need to ensure that you meet the building code requirements in your area, such as chimney thickness, emission levels, gas line positioning, length of roof penetration, and so on. As much as possible, hire a professional to check and install everything correctly for the safety of your family, house, and the entire community.
5. Fireplace Design and Aesthetics
Probably the most exciting part of installing a fireplace is choosing its design and aesthetics. Whether you’re adding one to achieve optimal indoor heat or to boost your visual features, the fireplace’s design will always be an essential consideration. You can browse different fireplace design ideas from brochures or online stores to figure out which one fits your home's style and overall theme.
For instance, if you have an old-style or classic-looking home, a wood-burning fireplace may fit best. On the other hand, installing an electric fireplace may be the best option for people with modern houses. In addition to your home’s theme, don’t forget to consider your room’s positioning and size. If you’re planning to use the fireplace as the centerpiece or focal point of your room, you may go for brick or stone-designed fireplaces. A metallic fireplace with a glass door may be a suitable choice if your aim is to achieve a minimalist style.
Takeaway
Overall, the safety and functionality of your fireplace should be your primary consideration in deciding to have one installed. You can do this by enlisting a professional’s help during the preparation and actual installation. Secondly, your design and style choice should fit into your home’s aesthetics to ensure your fireplace will boost your property value and add to its visual appeal.