Most real estate agents agree that having an indoor or outdoor fireplace adds $1,000 to $5,000 to the resale value of your home. However, even if they added no monetary value, many homeowners still want to add a fireplace to their home because of the warmth and atmosphere they provide. There are many DIY projects for you to do around the house; however, installing a fireplace should be left to the professionals, and here’s why.
Adherence to Building Codes
Hiring a professional to install your fireplace in Kansas City ensures that the fireplace and the chimney or venting system adhere to your local building codes. Many people think building codes and regulations are annoying red tape, but they’re necessary to ensure safety and efficiency. Reputable chimney and fireplace contractors are well-versed with the current regulations and codes to ensure your fireplace and chimney are installed correctly and will pass inspection.
Proper Infrastructure Installation
Different kinds of fireplaces require different infrastructures for safe operation.
For example, installing a traditional wood-burning fireplace requires a properly constructed chimney, firebox, and a secure foundation to support the weight. On the other hand, gas fireplaces either need an existing gas line or one to be run to the house. Gas fire-places also need a venting system and potentially an electrical connection to power the fans and ignition system. Professional fireplace installers understand the nuances of each system and the infrastructure required to ensure they run efficiently and safely and won’t malfunction when you need them most.
Expertise
Installing a fireplace is a complex job, and a lot can go wrong. Professional fireplace and chimney experts have the education, experience, and expertise to ensure the process goes off without a hitch. Moreover, pros can see possibilities for a unique design you may not have thought of because of their familiarity with different materials, construction techniques, and finishing touches. The bottom line is that a pro may create something more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing than you could have imagined.
Less Stress on You
Because of the complexity and number of things that can go wrong, it’s better for your sanity and stress level to let a pro handle your fireplace installation. You have enough things to worry about in your life, and if you get busy and slow or stop your progress. This is important if you have a deadline, such as finishing your fireplace before Christmas. Hiring a professional ensures you finish the job on time and without worry.
Maximize Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that wood-burning and gas fireplaces aren’t energy efficient. You lose a significant amount of heat energy up the chimney. Because of this, many fireplace owners rely on their furnace or central heating system to compensate for the loss, resulting in higher energy bills. Experts know which fireplace systems give you the best bang for your buck and can optimize them to make them as efficient as possible.
Warranty Insurance
Most fireplace manufacturers offer warranties on their products, but these warranties may be voided if a licensed professional doesn’t install them. Hiring a certified expert to install your fireplace ensures the warranty covers the system if something goes wrong. Moreover, systems like fireplaces require routine maintenance. Many manufacturers won’t honor a warranty if a certified technician doesn’t perform maintenance, so it’s another reason to hire a pro.
Peace of Mind
Heating systems like gas and wood-burning fireplaces come with inherent risks. While most people never have an issue, there’s always the chance that something could catastrophically go wrong. Hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing and is certified allows you to relax and not worry about the potential safety hazards or other issues that could put your home and family at risk.
Trust the Professionals at Fluesbrothers
Fluesbrothers is the go-to chimney and fireplace company in Kansas City, with over a decade of experience. We’re a full-service contractor, offering everything from chimney repairs, rebuilding, inspection, and cleaning, as well as fireplace installation and dryer vent services. Our technicians are fully licensed and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute, so you can trust their work to be safe and long-lasting. Contact us today with questions or to book an appointment at 913-236-7141.
