Of the 40 million homes that have been built in the United States since 1973, nearly half have come with a fireplace. However, many of those people indicate that they want a fireplace and are happy to pay to have one installed. If you are one of the people who is considering a fireplace installation in West Michigan, we have some questions to help you make the decision based on your personal needs.
Is Installation Possible?
In almost all cases, with the variety of fireplaces now available, there is some sort of fireplace that will work with your home. It might be a ventless unit mounted on the wall, or it might be a traditional wood-burning fireplace, but you are likely covered in one way or another. However, you should check with the building department for your area, as there may be codes that apply regarding chimney height, clearance around vent pipes, and construction of the flue and firebox.
What Will It Cost?
A new fireplace can run you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000, depending on the type of fireplace and the features you desire. A simple gas fireplace might run around $2,000, but also require installation, frame building, and hole cutting on the wall. This alone can add $5,000 or more to the cost of the project. Figure out what you want and do the research, so you know what price you’re looking at.
Where Will It Go?
If you want the fireplace installation in West Michigan in an area that is personally enjoyable, choose the place you most enjoy having guests. If you want to supplement your heating, put it in the room that most often has people in it. It’s a personal decision that you’ll have to think about to ensure the best use of the fireplace.
Is It Energy-Efficient?
If you plan to install a traditional, massive wood-burning fireplace, it probably isn’t going to be super-efficient. However, if you choose a sealed unit, whether fueled by wood or otherwise, you have a great way to supplement the heat in your home without being inefficient. A fireplace used for a small space can even drop your utility bills since you can leave the furnace at a lower temperature than you might otherwise.
If you are in West Michigan and interested in installing a new fireplace, consider speaking with the professionals at VanderWall Brothers. You can learn more about our services by visiting website.
