Hot Ideas for Fireplace Remodeling

Remodeling your home is always a popular idea. You get the look or functions you want without having to buy a new home. Fireplace remodeling is a good idea too. Many homes feature old versions that can really drag down the style of the rest of the room it’s in. Plus, by remodeling your fireplace, you can get more from its functionality. Before you take on such a big project, though, consider the following ideas to get the best finished result.

Replace the Materials

One of the easiest ways to get more from your fireplace is to simply give it a facelift. As we mentioned, many homes feature the old wood-burning variety that may have a truly outlandish exterior. Remember lava rocks? No matter what you do to the rest of your room, a fireplace covered in lava rocks isn’t going to fool anybody.

However, it’s a fairly affordable operation to remove whatever the current material is and replace it with something like marble, stone or tile. These days even a cheap option like concrete can be made to look amazing. Best of all, you don’t need to actually alter the operation of your current fireplace.

Enhance What You Already Have

Fireplace remodeling sometimes means addressing the area that surrounds it. Maybe the immediate exterior is fine, but it’s otherwise just a hole in the wall for fire to go. Consider adding a mantle if you don’t have one. An expansive molding will also draw more positive attention to your fireplace without demanding a grueling project or large investment. Columns are an especially good look and will do plenty, even if you never touch the fireplace itself.

Convert to a Newer Version

No discussion about fireplace remodeling would be complete without mentioning your options for converting an older option. If you’re still stacking wood and adding kindling to use your fireplace, it’s probably safe to say it’s been a while since you’ve built a fire. This is an almost archaic operation compared to our high-tech lives these days. Plus, your hands, clothes, and surrounding area can need cleaning when it’s all done.

Instead, consider modern gas-burning options. Your choices include:

·         An affordable option like a gas log kit for less than $1,000.

·         For a bit more, a vent-free option will give you the same look and feel without having to worry about losing heat to a damper.

·         If you have the budget for it, a gas fireplace insert is the best option. Your fireplace remodeling project will need about $3,000 for it, but you’ll get the most efficient heating option and can find them in just about any style you want.

Consider Your Overall Costs

While we’re on the subject of your fireplace remodeling budget, it’s worth considering what you’ll spend on the finished product. As you have probably learned, it’s easy to get carried away with all the options out there. You’ll have no problem dropping thousands of dollars into remodeling your fireplace, which could actually be a real issue.

Generally, conventional wisdom is that you shouldn’t spend more than 1% of your house’s total cost, once the project is complete. This number should still give you plenty of options, plus it ensures a good return on your investment if you ever sell.

Keep the Theme Consistant

Also, don’t get so carried away with your Chim-A-Lator Fireplace Dampers  options that you forget about the rest of your home. A mosaic tile border may look great, but if the rest of your home has a cottage theme to it, that fireplace is going to burn your eyes long before you ever start using it. Most people don’t base the rest of their home’s style around the fireplace they choose either. No matter what the theme of your house is, you should still have plenty to work with, stylistically.

Furthermore, if you are considering selling in the near future, a taste-neutral look is really best. Potential buyers may not be as fond of fireplace remodeling as you are, after all. So even if it matches the rest of your home’s style, keeping a natural look will ensure you don’t lose a buyer because they don’t want the headache of undoing your handiwork.

Remodeling your fireplace can do a lot for the room and your home, in general. However, be sure to consider the above ideas before you begin or the otherwise great feature can burn a hole in your pocket and leave your home worse off in the process.

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What You Need to Know About Chimney Cleaning

When it comes to the areas in your home that you know need attention, your chimney probably doesn’t top the list. In fact, given that its job is to escort smoke and soot from the home and that it’s made of stone or brick, you may think you’re in the clear to ignore and focus on more pressing items like the floors, HVAC system, or yard. However, this can be a costly mistake. Chimney cleaning is an important chore you need to carry out for a number of reasons. If you’re new to the idea or it’s been a while, here’s what you need to know.

Why Your Chimney Needs Attention

Despite its rustic exterior and simple job, your chimney actually does need some attention from time to time. That’s because your chimney can easily become clogged after all the soot it’s exposed to builds up and/or causes blockages. Another threat is called creosote. It’s a chemical that gets released when certain materials are burned. When the whole log, coal or fire-starter you’re using doesn’t burn all the way through, creosote is the byproduct that gets left behind. Over time, it builds up:

•    on the inside of your chimney
•    in the smoke chamber
•    in your firebox
•    on the damper.

The problem with soot is that when it clogs the chimney, smoke has a hard time escaping. This can become inconvenient, at best, when you try to light that next fire. Obviously, it could be quite dangerous too. However, as creosote is flammable, if it builds up too much, you could be in all kinds of danger the next time you go to enjoy your fireplace. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much creosote to start a chimney fire (FYI, pine contains more creosote than other kinds of wood and should be avoided for this reason).

Getting Your Chimney Inspected

We’ll talk more about chimney cleaning in a moment, but it’s also important that you get yours inspected regularly. Unless you enjoy an abnormal amount of fires each year, annual inspections will do. Even if you hardly use your fireplace, a chimney inspection is a good idea as the serviceman can take a look at all your heating systems to ensure problems aren’t lurking.

Plus, your chimney can become a home to all kinds of wildlife, even if you think it’s sealed. The next time you try starting a fire or even just open your damper, this can be a serious issue. Having a professional take a look at your chimney, especially right after winter, is a good idea for this reason.
When to Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Any time you’re having issues with your chimney, an inspection is necessary. A chimney cleaning may be recommended, but sometimes the solution will be something even simpler.

If you just purchased your home, an inspection is a good idea. Even if the last homeowner claims they had one recently, it’s not worth the risk.
As we mentioned, winter weather may drive pests into your chimney. However, the elements may have damaged the structure too. So it’s a good idea to call for an inspection when the thaw comes even if you don’t have vermin problems in your neighborhood.

When Chimney Cleaning Is Necessary

Again, a lot of times an inspection will come with a chimney cleaning. This may not always be the case though and the inspection may not always be necessary although cleaning is. The CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) recommends you always get a chimney cleaning done when an eighth an inch of soot is noticeable within the chimney and flue. If you look up at your flue and notice a glaze has built up, it doesn’t matter how thick it is, you need your chimney cleaned before using it again.
Getting your chimney cleaned at least once a year is recommended. Right before winter starts is usually best because that’s when the burning starts.

Keep in mind, too, that whether you’re talking about a chimney cleaning or inspection, your fireplace isn’t the only consideration. Many HVAC systems expel excess air through your chimney. So just because your chimney brushes and rods is collecting dust doesn’t mean there isn’t a world of problems sitting right above it. Even if you have no plans of enjoying a fire in the near future, getting your chimney surrounds is still a good idea.