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Installing a fireplace in your home can significantly boost its resale value. As per the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace can raise your home's value by more than 10%. Even better, you can potentially recover 100% of the costs associated with fireplace installation when you sell your home.
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we aim to provide homeowners with ideas that can enhance their homes' appeal and value. In this blog post, we have listed fireplace remodeling ideas, plus budgeting advice, material types, and maintenance tips.
👉 Creative Ideas for Fireplace Remodeling
If you're looking to transform the ambiance of your living area, a fireplace makeover is an excellent idea. In this section, we have a well-curated list of 20 innovative and trending fireplace remodeling ideas that promise to breathe new life into your home:
1. Flat-Wall Fireplaces
Flat-wall fireplaces offer minimalist aesthetics—ideal for modern homes. These sleek, flush-mounted fireplaces create a seamless, uninterrupted flow within the room, allowing the fireplace to blend flawlessly into the surrounding walls for a truly minimalist look.
2. Corner Fireplaces
This is a great option if you're tight on space and still want the cozy warmth of a hearth. Corner fireplaces are a brilliant space-saving solution, tucked neatly into an unused corner while still providing the warm ambiance and focal point that a fireplace brings to a room.
3. Marble Mantel Makeovers
Elegantly veined marble can elevate the look of even the simplest fireplaces. A marble mantel adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, transforming a basic fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The intricate natural patterns of marble create depth and visual interest.
4. Black Marble/Granite Fireplace Background
Opting for a black marble or granite background for your fireplace creates a classy, sophisticated focal point that instantly modernizes the space. The dark, luxurious stone backdrop provides depth and drama, allowing the fireplace to take center stage.
Complemented by elegant elements like stylish lamps and tasteful artwork, this bold yet refined look commands attention and elevates the overall aesthetic with a touch of opulence.
5. Rustic Wood Mantels
Think rough-hewn lumber or reclaimed barn wood for that classic cabin appeal. Rustic wood mantels, with their natural textures and imperfections, lend a warm, cozy, and inviting ambiance to any room. The raw, organic beauty of the reclaimed wood adds character and charm to the fireplace.
6. Vintage-Inspired Tiled Hearth
Incorporating vintage-style tiles around your fireplace adds personality. Vintage tiles, with their unique patterns and colors, can transform a plain fireplace into a true work of art. The tiled hearth becomes a focal point, adding visual interest and a touch of nostalgia.
7. Shiplap Surrounds
This popular design trend translates wonderfully onto fireplaces, too! Shiplap, with its clean lines and rustic charm, creates a comfortable and welcoming ambiance around the fireplace. The horizontal boards add texture and depth, making the fireplace a cozy and welcoming feature.
8. Capped Fireplace
If you never use your fireplace, why not completely remodel it into a decorative feature? Sealing the opening and adding decor like candles, is a great way to repurpose an unused fireplace and add a cozy touch to any room. Lining the fireplace with candles creates a warm, flickering glow that replicates the ambiance of an actual fire without the hassle of maintaining a chimney.
9. Geometric Patterns
Play around with diverse shapes and make your fireplace truly unique. Incorporating geometric patterns, whether through tiles, stonework, or even metal accents, adds a modern and eye-catching element to the fireplace. The geometric designs create visual interest and depth.
10. Metallic Accents
Gold, silver, or copper accents immediately draw attention towards the hearth. Metallic accents, whether in the form of a mirror, fireplace tools, or decorative elements, add a touch of glamour and sophistication to the fireplace. The reflective surfaces catch and reflect the warm glow of the fire, creating a stunning visual effect.
11. Fireplace Bookshelves
An integrated bookshelf fireplace is a decor lover's dream! Combining a fireplace with built-in bookshelves creates a cozy and inviting reading nook. The shelves provide storage and display space, while the fireplace adds snugness and ambiance, creating the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.
12. Salvaged Brick Fireplaces
Reclaimed bricks add a rustic, vintage vibe to any fireplace. The unique textures and variations in color found in salvaged bricks create a vintage and inviting atmosphere. These fireplaces exude character and history, making them a stunning focal point in any room.
13. Reclaimed Wood Fireplaces
Incorporating reclaimed wood into the fireplace surround creates a natural, rustic feel. The unique textures and imperfections of the reclaimed wood add character and depth, making the fireplace a true work of art.
14. Natural Stone Facades
Stone facades, such as fieldstone or river rock, add a beautiful organic element to the fireplace. The variations in color texture and pattern create a stunning visual interest, while the stone itself adds a sense of warmth and comfort.
15. Electric Fireplace Inserts
Electric fireplace inserts simulate the glow of traditional fireplaces without any smoke. Electric fireplace inserts provide the ambiance of a real fire without the hassle of wood or gas. These inserts can be installed and maintained with ease and are a convenient and eco-friendly option for any home.
16. LED-Lit Fireplaces
LED-lit fireplaces offer a contemporary and energy-efficient alternative to traditional fires. The flickering LED lights create the illusion of dancing flames, providing a mesmerizing and cozy environment without the need for fuel or venting.
17. Contemporary Fireplaces
A contemporary fireplace setup can create a sleek, modern aesthetic in your living or entertaining space, elevating the room's design. These fireplaces often blend seamlessly with the surrounding room, creating a minimalist yet elevated look.
18. Gas Fireplace
With a modern design, a gas fireplace can blend beautifully into your interior. The extended back wall gives an open, inviting ambiance while providing warmth and the snug feeling of a wood fireplace.
19. Glass and Steel Duo
These fireplace designs rock an industrial chic vibe, combining the sleek and modern elements of glass and steel. These duo materials create a striking and contemporary look, perfect for those who appreciate a more urban and edgy aesthetic.
20. Stone and Wood Combo
The combination of natural stone and wood creates a warm and inviting fireplace design that harmoniously blends with natural surroundings. This rustic yet elegant look is perfect for those who appreciate organic and earthy tones.
Innovation promises exciting prospects in fireplace remodeling trends, and we hope this list has inspired you to take on your project with confidence.
Fireplace Materials That Can Enhance the Look of Your Space
There are multiple fireplace materials available on the market, so it’s important to choose the material that will fit best with the style and design of your home. Here are some different materials you can select for your fireplace remodeling:
- Brick offers timeless charm and heat resistance, while stone, such as granite and marble, adds luxury and durability.
- Tiles allow for personalized designs in countless colors and shapes, boasting heat-resistant properties ideal for fireplaces.
- Concrete brings a modern edge to homes, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Metal options like stainless steel offer sleek, contemporary durability.
- Wood accents, such as mantels, provide warm, earthy tones.
With these diverse choices, homeowners can effortlessly craft a fireplace that suits their aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Budgeting for Your Fireplace Remodel
The financial aspect of the makeover often depends on several factors, like the extent of remodel, choice of materials, labor costs if you opt for professional help, and any additional or unexpected expenses.
Statistically, the average fireplace remodel can cost you anywhere between $600 to $4,500 for refacing or $2,400 to $8,100 for a full replacement. It's critical not only to keep these average figures in mind but also to understand the variety of elements that can add up.
Material Costs for Refacing a Fireplace
The type of material you choose significantly impacts the final cost of your fireplace remodeling:
- Refacing a fireplace with brick siding or veneers usually costs $3 to $10 per square foot.
- Concrete refacing generally costs between $5 and $25 per square foot.
- Tiles have a wide cost range depending on their design and quality grade —from $1 to $40 per square foot.
- Wood paneling also varies: it can be affordable ($2.50 per square foot) or reach up to costly high-end options ($40 per square foot).
- Stone is typically pricier—especially genuine stone—with prices running around $60 to $70 per square foot. Conversely, stone veneers are a less expensive option at $11 to $18 per square foot.
Hearths and Extras
Additional fireplace remodel components like hearth installation also carry their own costs, ranging from $3 to $200 per square foot, wholly dependent on the materials chosen (concrete, brick, slate, marble, etc).
Important to note— in any home improvement project, it's sensible to account for some unexpected expenses as well. You can never be too prepared. Crafting a comprehensive budget before embarking on a fireplace remodeling project ensures that you maintain control over your project without any financial surprises along the way.
Note: The prices in this blog post are estimates, and the total cost of your project will vary based on your location, material quality, contractor availability, and more.
👉 Maintenance Tips Post-Remodel
After putting effort into your fireplace remodel, consistent maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity. This aspect of post-remodeling processes can be overlooked often, but it creates a significant long-term impact.
The beauty and utility of any fireplace remodeling work are directly proportional to how well you take care of it. To keep your newly remodeled fireplace in pristine condition, here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: It's crucial to consistently clean your fireplace for optimal performance. Regularly remove ashes from wood-burning fireplaces after they cool down completely. For gas fireplaces, keep the glass doors speck-free by wiping them with a specific cleaner appropriate for that type of surface.
- Annual Inspection: Get professionals to inspect your fireplace annually, checking for leaks or damage both inside and out, which could potentially pose serious threats if neglected.
- Pay Attention to Smoke: If smoke begins escaping places other than the chimney while using the fireplace, this is a sign that something’s amiss. It might indicate ventilation issues or potential blockages. As soon as you notice such signs, call for professional service immediately.
To maintain safety standards and retain the appeal of your space after a beautiful fireplace remodel, investing time and attention towards regular upkeep becomes necessary. Whether it's deep cleaning occasionally or ensuring timely repairs when needed, every effort culminates in preserving the essence of your revamped hearth for years to come.
👉 Call McClellands Contracting and Roofing For Fireplace Remodeling Services In Pittsburgh, PA
Looking to remodel your fireplace in Pittsburgh, PA? Our experienced team at McClellands Contracting and Roofing provides top-notch home remodeling, roofing, and exterior services. Call (412) 353-5660 today for a free consultation and let us transform your ordinary fireplace into a stunning centerpiece that elevates your home's ambiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Fireplace Remodels Require a Permit?
Depending on your locality and the extent of your remodel, it's possible that you may need to procure a permit.
2. Can You Change The Fuel Type Of Your Fireplace During A Remodel?
Yes! You can transition from wood-burning to gas or electric fireplaces and vice versa during a remodel.
3. What Is The Typical Cost Of A Fireplace Remodel?
This varies based on factors such as the design concept chosen, materials used, and whether professional help was hired. That being said, according to HomeAdvisor’s data from 2024, an average homeowner spends anywhere between $400 to $2,000 for a fireplace remodel.
Remember: before injecting serious money into any project - get multiple estimates.
4. How Long Does A Fireplace Remodel Generally Take?
Again, this depends heavily on the extent of your redesign and renovation plans along with who is executing them - professionals vs. DIY. Simple surface-level transformations typically take just a few days while extensive overhaul projects could stretch out over weeks.
