5 Mistakes to Avoid When You’re Choosing A Fireplace For Your Living Space
Buying a new fireplace? Lucky you—there’s nothing more exciting than choosing between the dozens of stunning designs available today, not to mention nothing more satisfying than getting your dream fireplace installed and seeing how it pulls your decor all together. But with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and the last thing you want to do is make a mistake that you end up regretting down the line. Keep reading to learn which 5 mistakes you should avoid when you’re choosing a fireplace for your living space.
Choosing a Fireplace That Doesn’t Suit the Room Size
Love the look of oversized fireplaces? Even so, that doesn’t mean they’re right for your home, since they can overwhelm small rooms and look silly.
On the other end, if you’re actually buying a fireplace for practical reasons (no judgment if your decision is aesthetic-only), keep in mind that undersized units won’t provide enough heat in a bigger space. You’ll need to match the fireplace’s heat output and scale to your room’s dimensions.
Ignoring Ventilation and Chimney Requirements
Some fireplaces can only be safely installed and used in a room that has a working flue or special ventilation. Others are ventless, so they’re the better choice if you don’t already have ventilation and don’t want the hassle and expense of installing it.
Make sure your chosen model is compatible with your home’s existing infrastructure, or that you’re happy to invest in whatever chimney upgrades are needed for the fireplace to be used safely.
Not Measuring Your Chimney Size Correctly
Failing to measure your chimney size accurately is a common and expensive mistake to make. If you install a fireplace with an incorrect flue size, you may end up dealing with smoke issues or a reduction in the fireplace’s efficiency.
That’s why it’s really important to know how to measure chimney and flue sizes when you’re buying a fireplace where this data matters. You should always get the flue measured properly before you spend your money, especially for installing inserts.
Assuming All Fireplaces Work with Any Wall or Floor Type
Don’t just assume that you can install any type of fireplace regardless of your existing setup. Some fireplace units can’t be installed on certain walls or near combustible surfaces, and it’s essential that you understand the rules of fireplace safety before you even choose a fireplace to install.
The materials and construction used in your home matter more than you think, so do your research and ask all the right questions before you buy a fireplace.
Forgetting About Installation Costs and Ongoing Maintenance
Finally, while the fireplace you’ve chosen may be affordable on its own, a big mistake is not accounting for installation and ongoing maintenance costs.
Things like flue lining, labor, fuel, and servicing can all add up fast, and if you’re installing a gas or wood fireplace, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of annual checks. Make sure you crunch the numbers and total up an accurate cost estimate for everything before you commit.