Article I wrote about the details that go into the making of a home. Part of my real estate search engine optimization services is to write in depth about the homes being sold.

Fireplaces are more popular than ever

by Scott Salwolke

There are few features of a home that have the lure of a fireplace. When snow is on the ground and the winds are bitterly cold, there is something to be said for sitting in front of a fireplace. The attraction of a fireplace hasn't changed in the last few decades, but the look and design certainly have.

"The trend is going toward gas," said Mack Patterson of Patterson Heating.

"More and more people are finding it easier and more convenient than wood. There isn't any smoke or bugs or even sparks that can go along with wood. Most people are looking for it in the ambiance it creates and the warmth."

This doesn't mean a wood fireplace is on the verge of extinction.

"We've actually seen an increase this past year in people interested in wood fireplaces," said Dan Fens  of All Season Heating and Cooling. "Especially in the country, people are gathering their own firewood. With the price of gas going up, many look to this as a way to get their heating costs down."

Still, Fens admits, gas is more convenient.

"the quality of the fire from gas has improved greatly. It certainly looks more realistic now. And many find it easier, because they only have to use a remote to start it. Some people have it tied into their thermostat so when the temperature drops, the fireplace automatically goes on. Others have it on a timer so it comes on by the time they get home."

"There's no risk to having a gas fire ignite like that. Gas fireplaces are heat rated so they are safe as a furnace coming on."

Deciding on which room to have a fireplace installed is crucial. Many suggest having it on a lower level.

"One thing people should keep in mind is that fireplaces can put out too much heat," warns Marc Hess of Top Block and Brick. "Houses are insulated so much better now. A fireplace could have the furnace remain off, leaving other rooms too cool. by putting the fireplace in a basement, the heat at least rises and warms the floors above."

Some people are deciding one fireplace is not enough.

"I'd say about one-third of the homes being built are having two fireplaces," said Bill Birch of Birch Heating and Cooling. "They have them in the Great Room, a four season room, or a bedroom. In some cases they have a fireplace that opens to two rooms. One side is a bedroom, the other side a family room. Or a fireplace is open to both the kitchen and the dining room."

Whether it is wood or gas, a fireplace adds to the value of a home.

"I'd guess about eighty percent of new homes being built have fireplaces installed," said Fens. People buying houses are looking for them. So certainly Realtors are saying a fireplace adds to the asking price of homes."

If the appeal of a fireplace has remained consistent, their look has changed dramatically.

"Stone is the trend right now," said Patterson. "It's man made stone so its much lighter than it looks and floors don't have to be reinforced.

"Gallery stone is in demand right now, especially with etchings in it. Terry Redline is a very popular artist and many are choosing fireplaces that have his work etched on the stone. Many people will bring in a sketch that we etch into their stone. We've had fireplaces with tractors in them, even the homestead. That's what is nice about a fireplace. It doesn't have to look mass produced. It can be very personal in design."