Having a fireplace installed is a serious project and will have a direct impact on your home’s appearance, so you can’t afford to make errors here. Unfortunately, too many people start shopping for fireplaces before they truly understand them and how they work. They then make assumptions and sometimes horrible choices because of their lack of knowledge. However, once you understand the basics of fireplaces and what to avoid, then you’ll be less likely to make a decision you’ll regret. Let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes homeowners make when they buy a fireplace.

Not Evaluating Total Costs Properly

One of the worst and most common mistakes people make when buying a fireplace is not budgeting for the whole project correctly.

If you’re getting everything done by the same people, it will be a bit simpler. But, if you have to hire someone for the installation, you may have to deal with a fireplace installer specifically or an electrician. You’ll need to contact as many as you can and get quotes for the exact type of fireplace you need. You’ll also need to let them know some of the logistics and have them come in for an evaluation if possible.

Not Choosing the Right Type

Some people only look at one type of fireplace and don’t research the others. This is often the case for people looking for a wood fireplace. But you should not scoff at other options.

A gas fireplace could give you some of the benefits of a fireplace without the drawbacks. These units don’t require a chimney and can be vented through a wall. You also have flueless gas fireplaces that don’t need to be vented at all.

Then you have electric fireplaces. A lot of people will dismiss them because they don’t feel as natural but know that they can still be used as a source of heat. They can be installed in many more areas too, are a lot cheaper to buy, install, and maintain, and can be very convincing in many cases, so don’t overlook them. Visit some fireplace shops in London that have a complete selection of fireplaces and ask them which option would be the best for your specific needs.

Not Looking Up the Rules

You cannot start looking for a fireplace before you look at the rules surrounding its usage. This is especially true if you were thinking of going for a wood fireplace. Not only are there rules regarding the installation of wood fireplaces that you have to follow, but also the type of fuel you can use.

For instance, did you know that it was forbidden to use coal or wet wood in open fireplaces and stoves and that you have to use dry wood or alternative fuels instead? There’s also the possibility that you live in a smoke control area. These are all things you need to get familiar with right now if you don’t want to have people knocking at your door.

These are all fireplace buying mistakes that could end up costing you a lot of money and causing a lot of headaches if you commit them. So, take your time when looking for these sometimes very expensive units and learn as much as you can about them before you start shopping.