Fireplaces have function and aesthetic to them. Even homeowners located in warm areas dream of having a fireplace in their home. What is nice about fireplaces is that you do not have to live in a particular state or area to have them installed in your home. Anyone and everyone can use them and when they want too.
As you start to imagine curling up next to the fire in your living room, the first piece of the puzzle we need to solve is whether you can really add a fireplace to your existing home or are you just out of luck?
Let’s take a look. This blog will help you better understand fireplaces and what you can expect as you start to turn your dream into a reality.
Can I Add One to My Home?
The short answer is yes. You can add a fireplace to your home, even if your home does not already have one installed. Phew.
Before you can add a fireplace, it is best to understand what the different types are, so you know which one will work best for your home and situation. In addition, you want to familiarize yourself with local building codes and requirements, as there may be some restrictions.
For example, some areas may have limits on where the vent pipes are placed and also on the emissions from the fireplace itself.
There are three main categories of fireplaces for you to consider and those include masonry, gas, and zero-clearance. Zero-clearance fireplaces are also referred to as manufactured fireplaces or prefabricated fireplaces.
Masonry Fireplaces
This type of fireplace is the one that probably comes to mind when you think of a fireplace. They are traditional wood burning and you will need to make sure you have space for a chimney in your home. If you have a two-story home, installation can be trickier for you, but if you are in a single-level home, you should have no issues. You will need around 12 to 14 inches of space for the chimney and often times, professionals can simply close off a small area of the room such as a closet to make the room needed for installation.
These fireplaces are made from stone or brick and usually have a wooden mantel to them.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are some of the easiest to install and often one of the top choices for homeowners. This fireplace can be installed on any exterior wall with the vent running directly to the outside of the home. Installation does not take long and you can expect to have professionals there for about one to two days to get it in.
While you will not have the traditional feel, sound, and smell as you do with a traditional fireplace, you will be able to enjoy the warmth and look of fire in your home. Gas fireplaces are convenient because you can turn them on and off with the simple flick of a switch. In addition, they are easy to care for and maintain over time.
Zero-Clearance Fireplaces
Homeowners who are on a budget and not looking for a larger installation project often choose zero-clearance fireplaces. These are economically friendly and are lightweight, which means they can easily be moved within the home. In fact, you can set them up anywhere you like.
These fireplaces come in a variety of designs and colors to fit your taste and style preferences. The firebox associated with these fireplaces does not get hot, which is why it can be installed in any room that you choose. For example, you can have it installed directly over your flooring and within a couple inches of your existing walls.
Again, you will not have the exact experience as you would with a wood burning fireplace, but you will still have a good experience and get what you want out of it.
Does a Fireplace Need to Go Somewhere Specific?
The placement of your fireplace does matter in a sense. You can pretty much have them installed anywhere, but to get the most use out of them, it is wise and recommended to have them installed in an area that sees a lot of foot traffic and gets a lot of use. For example, think of your kitchen, living room, or even family room.
If you are using the fireplace for its heating properties, then placing it in a smaller room makes more sense such as an office or bedroom.
While the exact room does not matter, it is important that you make sure that the fireplace has reinforced floor joists and that the firebox has enough room and clearance to be safe within the home. You want your fireplace to fit nicely and not feel as though it is cramped.
You should always look over the local building codes and restrictions to ensure that your fireplace can be installed properly where you want it to be. For instance, some codes state that there must be a specific distance between the fireplace and combustive materials. Also, some codes may require that your home’s framing be modified to accommodate the weight of the new fireplace addition.
Will It Be Expensive to Install a Fireplace?
It depends on what your budget is, but in general, it is not considered to be too expensive of a project to do. In fact, a prefabricated metal gas or wood fireplace will cost you around $3,000 to have installed while an electric option will run you about $1,200.
Masonry fireplaces cost a bit more than that and this is due to the construction needed to install it such as the chimney. You can expect to pay around $5,000 for this type of fireplace with a 12-foot chimney.
Will I See a Return on My Investment?
Unfortunately, it is not likely that you will. This type of home modification is primarily done because a homeowner wants the feature added. If you are planning to sell your home soon, it would not benefit you to have one installed, as you would be out the initial investment you made.
Many homeowners do not recoup the cost they put in as a fireplace is not generally calculated into a home appraisal price, so you likely will not see any increased value on your home.
With that said, having a fireplace in your home can help make it more desirable to more people. Buyers who are looking for a fireplace will look at your home instead of skipping over it.
Recent reports have shown that a larger number of home buyers find gas fireplaces to be essential or desirable.
Adding a Fireplace to Your Home
If you are looking to add a fireplace to your home, it is important to consider where it will go along with the type of fireplace you want to have. If cost is not of the importance, then your options can be quite unlimited. However, if you are working within a strict budget, you may want to consider a prefabricated option, as they tend to require less space, have more lenient building codes, and are quite affordable, even for those with a budget.
A fireplace can be added to an existing home without one, which is nice to know, especially if it has always been your dream to have one. Talking to a professional company who can assist with the installation and selection of your new fireplace would be the next best step on your list in learning more about what your options are.
