There are a lot of positives to incorporating a fireplace into the design of your custom home, but there are also some negatives, especially when it comes to the cost of upkeep for a wood-burning fireplace. If you do not want to bite off the cost and upkeep of a wood-burning fireplace, there are some great alternatives in electric and gas fireplaces where it is tough to tell the difference.
I am a huge advocate of a fireplace of any kind, so let’s look at some of the best reasons to add one to your custom home design.
Adds Value and Appeal to the Home
As I noted above, the inside of a home just looks cozier when you have a fireplace, this is especially true in rooms like the master bedroom. Let me put it this way, it will never really hurt you to have a fireplace.
Helps with Energy Bills
Think of your fireplace as a space heater during the winter. If you have fireplaces, be they wood-burning, gas, or electric, you can turn down the heat in other areas of the home and use the fireplace to keep your room warm. With energy costs being what they are right now, this alone is a reason to invest in the fireplace, as you can see a noticeable drop in energy costs over the colder months.
Ambiance
I don’t think this point needs too much explanation. What is more romantic than a fireplace burning in the background to set the mood? Even for parties at home, especially over the holidays, there is just something about those flames in the background and the sound of wood crackling that makes it seem like home.
Very Diverse
The good news about fireplaces is that if you are designing the fireplace from scratch, it can be just about anything you want. If you already have the design in place and are looking to add an electric fireplace, there are literally hundreds of designs from which to choose that will fit any home decorating theme.
Clean Burning
If you are worried about greenhouse gas emissions, choose a gas-burning fireplace. Gas-burning fireplaces give off far fewer particulates than wood-burning fireplaces. While the noise associated with a wood-burning fireplace is what many people love, you can still have that sound simulated in a gas or electric fireplace. The technology that is available is rather amazing, so take your time and check them in out person to see what will fit in your home the best.