Optimize Your Fireplace Remodel For Ultimate Coziness
Though Charlotte might not often see bitter cold temperatures (perks of being below the equator), many homeowners still crave the opportunity to curl up by their very own fireplace. Coziness is universal, and nothing turns up the cozy factor like a fireplace. Although 2016 was dubbed “The Year of the Hygge,” the Danish obsession with coziness, a warm atmosphere, and feeling good, the term has made enough inroads here in Charlotte that we see it sticking around well into 2024.
If you’re planning a home remodel, you might be toying with the idea of adding a fireplace or redoing an existing one. Let this blog be your guide to everything you need to know about fireplace remodeling before the demo begins.
The Benefits of a Fireplace Remodel
A fireplace’s first and most appealing benefit is that it adds an attractive focal point to your living room. Fireplaces can increase your home’s value, which can help you ask for a higher sale price should you decide to sell.
Charlotte’s climate does not experience enough cold to suggest that fireplaces will keep you warm through the winter. That said, it does dip into the 30s and 40s in the evenings when it would be nice to have a little something extra to take the chill out of the air. That’s where a fireplace comes in handy. And since a fireplace eliminates the need to turn on your furnace, it can even help you save on energy costs. We don’t often have temperamental weather here in Charlotte but if we were to lose power for some reason, a fire in the hearth could be a backup heating and light source.
A fireplace remodel is an instant ambiance booster, even when you don’t have a fire on. But when you do, a calm, peaceful energy in the air makes everyone feel more at home. Fireplaces are excellent additions to semi-outdoor areas where you might entertain as well, keeping the space cozy enough for everyone to enjoy the colder evening temperatures.
If you are opting for an outdoor fireplace, they can be built or remodeled with the addition of built-in cooking features like pizza ovens or grills. We can already see a s’mores night in your future.
Before You Build
Are you getting increasingly sold on a fireplace in your Charlotte home? That’s great to hear, but there are still some things you should know before you schedule your installation.
The first is the space where you want the fireplace. There should be plenty of room for whatever style of fireplace you want. But it would help if you also considered maneuvering around the fireplace and what items might come in contact with it. You won’t add much comfy ambiance if your fireplace is so big that it makes a room feel cluttered.
Another consideration to make is the kind of fireplace you want. There are:
- Electric
- Gas
- Wood-burning
- Ethanol Fireplaces
One might be more suitable for you than the other.
For example, you might think there’s no point in having a fireplace unless you get that trademark smell of wood burning, so electric and gas are out for you. But since electric fireplaces are the easiest of the three to maintain, you might find them appealing. And ethanol fireplaces are generally installed in condos or apartments–small dwellings where chimneys aren’t part of the equation.
Finally, you’ll want to team up with a remodeling and design company that understands your vision and can get you the fireplace of your dreams. Installing a fireplace is no small feat and should only be attempted by industry professionals, especially if there isn’t one in your home already. The company you hire should have a good reputation and a lot of experience working with larger remodeling projects like these.
All About Aesthetics
Once you know you want one, you can start thinking about how you want your fireplace remodel to look. The material for a surround needs to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees, so some options are immediately off the table. The mantel, however, is more flexible and can be made out of most materials as long as it’s far enough away from the firebox’s opening.
One of the most common and beautiful choices is brick. Brick is durable, comes in many sizes and colors, is non-combustible, and can be skillfully employed to create multiple looks, from rustic to mid-century.
Plaster is also very common and made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and other aggregates. Plaster is better for those who want clean lines and less texture. It also reads more modern than brick. Concrete is another excellent option if you’re looking for something more modern and industrial.
Stacked stone goes on the other end of the spectrum. Its vibe is squarely rustic and gives the feel of living in a cozy cabin. In contrast, stone slabs like granite or marble can make a home feel luxurious and stylish. Both are great options for any fireplace remodel, but they appeal to very different design aesthetics.
Warm up Your Home in Style
Regardless of which type of fireplace you pick or what materials you use, a fireplace remodel can add significant value and coziness to your home. There are certain local building codes and regulations specific to Charlotte but if you hire professionals, those will never have to be a worry. ReVision would love to “bring the heat” to your home. Contact us if a fireplace remodel is in your future.