Fire Pits and Home Value: Here’s the Data

August 19, 2020 6:18 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Does a fire pit increase home value? In general, yes! Depending on how it adds to your yard, it will increase the desirability of your home. That in turn makes it more likely that you’ll sell your home for your asking price and perhaps stay on the market for a shorter period of time. Read on to learn more about how outdoor fire pits improve land value in Seattle, WA, and what to consider before you install one.

High appeal

According to a survey of 6,000 realtors, a 10-foot stone and gas fire pit yields 67 percent return on investment on average. It depends on how much you put into the project and whether your fire pit is permanent or portable, but this improvement seems to pay off most of the time.

However, fire pits are among the most popular outdoor improvements, and currently outrank outdoor dining areas. Even in hot climates, fire pits are a favorite among homeowners for their atmospheric qualities and ability to chase away flying insects. When combined with an outdoor kitchen or swimming pool, it can feel like you brought summer camp to your backyard. There is no doubt of the appeal there!

The most appealing setup is the walled fire pit design, rather than opting for a portable style. But before you jump into this project, you need to make sure it will work for your home.

Before you install

First, make sure your community allows fire pits. Many condominium communities prohibit all flame sources but propane, and your CC&Rs may contain similar restrictions. Other spots may ban wood-burning fireplaces but allow natural gas. Your community may also be subject to burn bans during certain times of the year, and that will leave you unable to use your fire pit.

Second, check with your insurance agent. If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, a fire pit may cancel your insurance policy. Do not think it is a good idea to hide your fire pit, either—failing to disclose that you own one can result in no coverage if you face a loss due to fire. That can occur even if your fire pit had nothing to do with the accident!

Finally, design the fire pit based on the space in your yard. There should be room for young children to stay at least 10 feet away from the fire. Also, fire pits need to be a minimum of 10 feet from your home, and the same buffer must also apply to trees, bushes, sheds and garages. Even if your landscaping is sparse and you do not have young children, you still want to allow space for movement without the risk of being burned.

You can also add grilling implements if you wish to cook with your fire pit. That can further enhance its value and attractiveness.

The relationship between outdoor fire pits and land value looks good on the horizon as people spend more time at home. If you wish to see if a fire pit increases your home value in Seattle, WA, Custom Fire Art can help. We offer custom fire features for indoors and outdoors. Call us today to get started.

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