Tips for Selecting the Perfect Fireplace

If you are building a new home, you must be taking time to decide on every little detail. It’s important to put thought and do research into every element when building a house because you will be living with your decisions for years to come. If you live in an area that sees some cold months, then a fireplace is practically an essential. Even if you don’t experience freezing winters, this is one easy way to make a living room look sophisticated and inviting. Here is what you need to know about selecting the right fireplace for your home.

Decide on the Utility

First, you need to decide on what the main purpose will be. Is it just for aesthetics? Or do you really need this to be set up to keep everyone warm? The answer can be both. If you need the heat, then you need to prioritize. Some fireplaces may be really efficient on the heating, but you will have to spend more for installation or upkeep. Narrow down your selection first seeing if your choices meet your basic needs before you move on to the aesthetics.

Select the Type

Compare an electric and a gas fireplace to see which one will meet your needs best. If you are looking at a tight budget, then you may want to go with an electric one. This type requires no venting and can easily be installed in any room. A gas option may take up more money for the initial costs, but maysave you a bit in the long run and it definitely looks amazing. The installation takes time, and you will need a vent and a chimney as well. You can build a non-working fireplace and add a very realistic gas or electric log as an alternative. Think also about how you want to operate the fireplace. Do you want a wall switch, a remote control, or a manual option? There are several choices for gas and electric fireplaces alike.

Match the Fireplace to the Style of the Home

Depending on what style you are going for with your home, you may find that some installations would look totally out of place. For instance, if you have a craftsman style home, you can’t exactly go for a brushed steel, modern looking fireplace. Instead, a freestanding cast iron stove might look very vintage and interesting. You can decide on the insert first and then work on the trim. There are plenty of options that can suit your home’s interior design, so it is best to take some time to research and decide. Remember, though, utility first and appearance second. There is no point in having a great looking fireplace if it doesn’t do its job very well.

Take your time to decide on the options. Don’t just consider the initial costs of installing the fireplace. It is vital to find out what the cost of running and maintaining will be. This is the best way to make the most informed decision.