Buying a home with a fireplace can be a dream come true for many homeowners. Not only do fireplaces provide warmth and comfort, but they also add value to a home. If you just bought or are considering buying a house with a fireplace, there are a few things you should know.
Get an Inspection
If you can, first try to find out how the fireplace was used prior to you purchasing the house. If you can’t get this information, the next thing you need to do is get an inspection by a professional. The inspection will confirm that it’s in good working order and that there are no safety concerns. It’s also important to have the chimney inspected if there is one.
Consider the Cost & Fuel Source
If you plan to keep the fireplace as is and use it, you’ll want to put some thought into the cost of operating it and what type of fuel it uses. A wood-burning fireplace, for instance, will require more work and will be messier. It might be that you want to convert a wood-burning fireplace into a gas or electric fireplace, which are safer and cleaner.
If it’s a gas fireplace, you’ll want to understand what’s required to operate and maintain it, and the costs to do so.
Keep it Clean
In terms of safety, you also want to keep the fireplace and chimney clean. A clean, well-maintained fireplace and chimney help prevent fires. Be sure to keep all flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture, away from the fireplace. You should have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.
How to Style a Fireplace
Decorating a home with a fireplace can be a lot of fun! A fireplace always serves as a good focal point, but there are so many options when it comes to decorating and styling it. For example, a traditional brick fireplace can be painted or covered with a decorative mantel. A modern gas fireplace can be surrounded with sleek tile or glass. You can freshen up a fireplace quite easily and affordably. So, think about the style of your home or your vision for it, and then have fun reworking your fireplace to match.
Modernize & Upgrade
If the house is old and the fireplace is outdated, or you don’t like the looks of the fireplace in the home, you can modernize or upgrade it. Perhaps it’s an older fireplace and you want a cheaper upgrade, you could consider painting or changing the surround and installing an insert.
If you want to upgrade it in a big way – say from a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace – you can do that, too. It will be a more involved and expensive job, but it’ll be worth it. Gas fireplaces are generally less maintenance and safer overall than wood-burning fireplaces.
Inspect, Clean, Maintain & Modernize Your Fireplace
It’s common for homeowners to want to upgrade or modernize the existing fireplace in a home they just bought. Oftentimes, the fireplace is not up to code or not in style anymore. When you buy a home with a fireplace, call Harding the Fireplace for a professional inspection and cleaning. We also provide maintenance and repair services.
When you’re ready to make your fireplace more modern or a better fit for your home’s interior, give us a call. We can convert your fireplace, freshen it up, or install a new one entirely.
Did you just buy a new home that has a fireplace?
Stay safe, and get it inspected and cleaned.
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