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June 26, 2020There are many tried and tested things you can do to boost your home’s value, such as refreshing a bathroom or kitchen, adding solar panels, converting a loft and more. However, one way of adding value you may not have already considered is having a fireplace added to your property.
For many of us, the idea of a real fire brings up images of bygone days. The appealing scent, romantic glow and homely comfort associated with a hot fire on a cold winter’s night is hard to beat.
It has been estimated that having a fireplace could add around 5% to the overall value of your property, as for an increasing number of house-hunters, an attractive fireplace is high on the list of desired features.
For those considering selling up, adding or restoring an existing fireplace can be a solid way to add value to your property. If you are moving on and it’s clear that a quick sale is required why not try the UK-wide property-buying firm LDN Properties as a reliable option for a fast and easy sale with no fees.
In this article we will explore how adding a fireplace can help stoke the flames of interest when it comes to prospective buyers.
An appealing design feature
As central heating became ubiquitous in the mid-20th century, many period homes have had their stunning original fireplaces covered up. Therefore, in some properties it may be the case that a fireplace needs to be simply reinstated to its former glory rather than built from scratch.
A fireplace is an aspirational design feature which can pay homage to a home’s past, particularly in period properties. It’s worth noting that a reproduction can be just as effective as an original. However, modern properties may also benefit from a stylish new fireplace or burner, as a fire is a great way of adding character to a new-build which may otherwise lack warmth.
Furthermore, if you don’t particularly want or need a fully-functioning fireplace, simply filling the open grate of your fireplace with mood lighting is a stylish way to add wow-factor to your room. A new fire could also be the perfect solution to a room lacking a focal point.
A way of reducing energy consumption
A fire can also be seen as a great asset to prospective buyers who are concerned about their energy consumption. An open fire may not be the best choice for heating a room, as smaller wood-burners can do this far more efficiently.
While it’s true that wood is a fossil fuel, many new wood burners are carbon-neutral and thus efficient and an eco-friendly choice as long as you source your fuel responsibly. Wood burners have become very popular in recent years, with over 200,000 being sold in the UK each year.
Gas-fuelled fires can also be seen as a more environmentally-sound choice than an open fire and come with the benefit of not releasing smoke into the air.
Which type of fireplace should I choose?
There are a vast range of fireplaces on the market to suit all budgets, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a stylish fireplace for your home.
However, there are practical considerations which may limit your choice when it comes to having a fireplace added to your property. For example, new homes rarely come with chimneys, therefore, structural alterations may be needed in order to create a chimney in your new-build property.
It’s important to take into account all the costs involved, from the cost of the mantelpiece to the installation of the hood and other key components. It’s also always a good plan to have some budget set aside for contingency.
It goes without saying that you should consult the experts, as it’s important that your new fire has all necessary safety certifications and complies with all regulations. If you choose to install a gas fire then it’s vital that you employ the help of a registered Gas-Safe engineer.
Gas fireplaces often have less complicated venting needs, and can be placed in many areas within a home where a wood-burning fire could not be installed. Smaller gas-burning fireplaces can be ideal for kitchens and even bedrooms.
For a wood-burning fire it is likely that installation will have to be on a main outside wall so that a working chimney can be constructed. An experienced installer will be able to give you the best advice as to where your new fire should be installed.
For many, the price tag of having a new fire installed is smaller than first thought. Indeed, the value added by installing a fire may well outweigh the cost of having one built. For example, it may cost in the region of £3000 for a fire to be installed, however, this might mean that £10,000 could be added to your home’s value.
Bright sparks looking for ways to boost their property value should definitely look further into the benefits of getting a fire installed.
