Add Warmth to Your Home This Winter With a Beautiful Fireplace
Posted by Jodi Alcock on Nov 23, 2011 in Uncategorized | 0 comments
As with any other home renovation project, the installation of a fireplace requires some careful planning and preparation on your part. First you need to decide which type of fireplace you want as there are several types of fireplaces available for any given home. You’ll need to consider budget, what materials you’ll want surrounding your fireplace, what type of fuel you want to burn in your fireplace and so on. There are many options available, so make sure to do your homework before deciding which type of fireplace will fit well with your home’s existing decor as well as your personal taste.
When purchasing a fireplace, make sure the one you’ve chosen has been sized for the area that you wish to heat, taking local climate into consideration. Often, fireplaces will have an are heating capacity related to square footage. Keep in mind that those numbers are usually based on 7’ or 8’ ceilings, so it’s crucial for you to know the actual size of your home in order to choose a fireplace that’s capable of heating it. If you want to be absolutely certain you’re choosing a fireplace that will meet the needs of your home, have an installer perform a complete heat-loss evaluation on your home. This will ensure that the fireplace you choose is neither too big nor too small for your home. If your main motivation for purchasing a fireplace is to enhance the look of the room, the heat-loss calculation and fireplace sizing are less of a concern.
You’ll need to decide first whether to get a free-standing fireplace or a fireplace insert before you can be sure what type of accessories you’ll want and need. Given the many options for fireplace accessories, from remote controls and fans to glass beads and aquatic scenes, be certain that you know all your options so you’re happy with the end result.
Regarding the actual fireplace installation process, once you’ve had a consultation with the contractor and know the location where you want the fireplace to be installed, be sure to clear the room by making sure that furniture and other bulky items are out of the way. It’s also a smart idea to remove pictures and other breakables around the area where the fireplace is to be installed. As with any home renovation project, the best way to minimize damage is simply by moving decoration and other breakables out of harm’s way.
Before having the fireplace installed, you will need to secure a building permit and may require a visit from a government-licensed inspector in order to have the fixture approved for use in your home. Keep in mind that depending on the type of fireplace you’re having installed, the process can take as little as one day or as long as several days. Even if local regulations don’t demand it, a safety inspection from a qualified installer is always a good idea. Without the proper permits and a qualified inspection, your fireplace’s warranty may be voided and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damages. Remember, when it comes to safety, it’s never worth taking chances.
This article is brought to you by the good folks at Crowley Construction VT. If you’re thinking of having a fireplace installed, call Crowley Construction at 802-893-2603 or email Gary@crowleyconstuctionvt.com with any questions you may have about fireplace installation. Let the professionals at Crowley Construction handle the job for you and you can rest assured, the job will be done right the first time! Connect with Crowley Construction on Facebook for more great tips and advice for homeowners.
