Blog Posts, Home Improvement

The Dos and Don’ts of Outdoor Fireplace Construction

With at least another month of summery weather left to enjoy, you’ll likely be spending a fair amount of time outside. Although you probably most of your landscaping months ago, there are still some property improvements you can make now that you’ll be able to put to good use. Even when the flowers and green leaves are gone, you can appreciate outdoor firepits and fireplaces throughout the fall and from year to year. But if you want to install custom fireplaces, there are a few dos and don’ts you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure your experience is a positive one.

When You Install Custom Fireplaces, Do…

  • Think About ROI: A quality landscaping job can increase a home’s resale value by up to 14%, but can an outdoor fireplace bring you more at selling time? According to the data, absolutely. These features are so desirable that Bob Vila estimates that you could recoup 78% or more of your firepit or fireplace investment when you sell your home. That said, you may want to consider what buyers in your area are looking for and what they’re willing to pay (as well as your own budgetary constraints) before you get to work. You may need to make some compromises as far as materials go while ensuring that you’re pleased with the results and will get ample use out of the finished product.
  • Position It Safely: Location matters when you install custom fireplaces or firepits. You’ll need to make sure that it’s situated in an area that’s far away from potential fire hazards. Experts recommend that you should install a firepit on level ground and in an open area that’s at least 15 feet away from other homes and 10 feet away from property lines, sheds, trees, and bushes. While outdoor fireplaces will have more structural protection and integrity than a firepit, it’s still a good idea to talk with your contractors to find the safest and most convenient location for this feature.

When You Install Custom Fireplaces, Don’t…

  • Forget About Ventilation: Your outdoor fireplace needs to look impressive, of course, but it also needs to be functional. Whether a fireplace is located indoors or outside, it needs to have proper ventilation. That means this structure will need to have a chimney that’s kept free of obstructions; otherwise, your plans for entertaining will go up in smoke (literally!). Your contractors may recommend you install a capstone on top of the chimney to protect it against the rain but while still providing the ventilation the fireplace needs. The positioning of your fireplace can help with added ventilation, as well, particularly if you have a closed patio.
  • Do It Yourself: Although we wish this would go without saying, you should always contact experienced landscapers or contractors to install an outdoor fireplace or custom firepit. While there are DIY options out there, those results won’t necessarily provide the aesthetic appeal or functionality you’re looking for. Even more importantly, attempting to install these features yourself can pose safety risks to your family, friends, and property. The DIY approach may be fine for other home improvement projects, but this one should be handled by the professionals.

Interested in finding out more about installing the kinds of outdoor fireplaces Delaware homeowners love to see? We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today for additional information or to schedule your installation.