Better Home
Linda L. Osmundson
Warm up with a fireplace
10 |
Fifty&Better
NOTHING IS MORE INVITING than a wood burning fireplace on a cold winter night if you are lucky enough to have one. Wood burning fireplaces are no longer an option, but there are many choices to consider if you wish to upgrade or add a fireplace. The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers says adding a fireplace can increase the resale value of a home by as much as 6-12 percent. And, you can expect to recoup 100 percent of its cost. Select from natural gas, electric or ethanol burning. Before adding a fireplace, check building codes, requirements such as vent pipes, limits on fireplace emissions and permits. If you want something simple to use, inexpensive, easy to maintain with good heat output, choose a gasburning fireplace. You can also check out electric fireplaces that do not need any structural changes to your home. If you desire trendy, pick a see-through glass fireplace. Whatever your choice, do your homework then enjoy the rewards of a cozy fire.
