With the help of our real estate agents, you've found a home with nearly everything you could want. There's just one thing it's missing: It would be nice to have a roaring fireplace you can curl up in front of with a blanket and some hot chocolate on cold winter days. The blankets and hot chocolate are easy, but how do you install a fireplace in a house without one? It's not as daunting a project as you might think. Here's what you need to know.
Types
The three most common fireplaces are wood, gas, and electric. Wood is the way to go if you want the traditional sounds and smells of a crackling fire. However, it's also the most expensive and requires a lot of maintenance. A gas fireplace can give you the same ambiance but is easier to install and maintain. Additionally, gas fuel makes the fire easier to light and put out than using logs. An electric "fireplace" needs no fuel, has no exhaust, and is cheap and easy to install. Unfortunately, it also uses a lot of power, and while it can mimic the look of a roaring fire using an LED display, in the end, it's little more than a fancy space heater.
Styles
When you think of a fireplace, you probably think of a traditional brick construction with a chimney. These are called masonry fireplaces. They're sturdy, long-lasting, and give your home a rustic feel. However, they're also expensive and take extra time and effort to install. If you're willing to forego the traditional brick, most modern fireplaces can be installed much faster for much less money. You can even get a fireplace insert: a pre-made fireplace that can be delivered to you and installed wherever there's an opening. Finally, there are zero-clearance fireplaces. Like inserts, they come pre-fabricated. However, with zero-clearance, it's an enclosed firebox with its own ventilation and insulation. It's cool to the touch and can be placed anywhere without worry. It's the cheapest installation, as well as the easiest maintenance.
Location
Where should you put your fireplace? Ideally, you'll want it in the living room or another common area where the whole family can sit around it. A direct-vent gas fireplace can be installed quickly and simply on any exterior wall, and the smoke will vent directly outside. Other gas fireplaces can exhaust smoke through a metal pipe. However, if you want a wood-burning fireplace, you must install a chimney. Going the masonry route can be difficult and lead to additional costs if the house has more than one floor.
Installation
An electric fireplace can be installed yourself. For any other type, though, you should call a professional contractor, particularly if you also need to build a chimney. There are also building code and zoning considerations. Do you need a special permit to build a fireplace in your home? There may also be restrictions on the chimney's height or the amount of emissions your fireplace is allowed to produce. A professional contractor will be familiar with the installation process in your area and can guide you through what you need to have and do to stay up to code.
If you want to search for Ridgewood homes for sale with fireplaces or whatever other features are most important to you, we can help. Contact us, and we'll help you find your dream home in a neighborhood you'll love.
