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Home Additions That May Increase Your Home’s Value

February 24, 2022 6:26 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

When approaching home renovations, you’re likely to address a problem that’s been irking you for a while. Whether it’s those ugly kitchen cabinets or the outdated bathroom wallpaper, you’re ready to invest in making changes; however, not all renovations are created equal. Here are some popular updates to increase home value. Paint One of the quickest, most high-impact updates you can make is to paint a room. A fresh coat of paint will instantly transform the room and make it appear new again. This is also a good opportunity to get rid of any odd paint jobs in the home while creating pleasing visual contrast. Best of all, painting won’t cost you much out of pocket. Cabinets Adding attractive cabinets to the kitchen will boost the home’s value. Research has shown that cabinets have a return on investment (ROI) of 80 percent, so if you’ve been thinking about replacing those cabinets with the busted hinges, then you can go ahead knowing that you’ll recoup most of the cost. Siding The exterior of a house takes a beating. Rain, the sun’s rays, snow, wind and ice all have an impact on the siding. Potential buyers will be turned off by a... View Article


Is Adding a Fireplace a Good Investment?

February 10, 2022 6:26 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

One of the things homeowners want to see with a remodel is a sound return on investment (ROI). Kitchens and bathrooms are often listed as having the best ROI, but does a fireplace increase home value? Experts say adding a fireplace increases home value as much as $12,000; however, the amount of value a fireplace adds depends on a range of factors. Let’s take a closer look. Can adding a fireplace increase the value of your home? Yes, the majority of real estate experts believe this to be the case. Buyers are generally willing to pay more for a fireplace as well. In fact, one study found that homes with fireplaces sold for 13 percent more than those without. Like with all home remodeling, you may not get back the full amount of what you put into it. A fireplace is a great option if you want one to enjoy now, and you can rest assured that you’ll get some of your money back when it’s time to sell. Which type of fireplace is best for my home? Gas fireplaces are usually found in more expensive homes. They provide an easy, hassle-free way to enjoy the heat and ambience of... View Article


How to Use a Fire Pit Safely

January 25, 2022 2:41 am Published by Leave your thoughts

If you have an outdoor fire pit, you know how enjoyable it can be. Whether it’s just you sitting by the flames or you’re entertaining friends and family, outdoor fire pits are perfect for cooking food and staying warm when you’re enjoying the outdoors. However, it’s important to remember that there’s an element of danger to consider. Fire is still fire! Thankfully, with some simple outdoor fire pit safety tips, you can use your fire pit with peace of mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re enjoying the warmth of your fire pit: Always make sure to burn seasoned wood. Fresh trees and tree branches will create smoke that’s heavy with sap, which can cause eye, nose and mouth irritation for those sitting too close or when the wind shifts. Keep children away from the fire. Outdoor fire pits should be treated like any other fire. If you’re not there to watch your children, they shouldn’t be around the flames at all. Always teach children fire safety, even when it comes to outdoor fire pits! Keep your fire pit away from anything that can burn. Outdoor fire pits should be placed far away from buildings... View Article


Design Options for Indoor or Outdoor Fireplaces

January 11, 2022 2:41 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Thinking about bringing the warmth and ambience of a fireplace to your property with help from a custom fireplace designer? Whether you choose to relax in front of the fire inside or outdoors, there are many different types of fireplaces that can be added into any home. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options, for both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoor fireplace designs The most popular type of indoor fireplace design is a traditional model. These units are made with bricks and stone, shaped in the manner you likely picture when you think of a fireplace. A traditional fireplace design can be manufactured to fit any room or space that’s needed for the unit. Stone fireplaces are another type of indoor model, but more expensive than traditional models. Stone fireplaces are made with real stone and brick, making them very durable and long lasting. They also tend to blend in well with most décor or any surrounding they’re placed in. Industrial fireplaces are designed to make a statement, whether through their appearance or how they operate. They can be made out of materials such as steel and iron, making them durable for outdoor use. The industrial style... View Article


Weighing the Pros and Cons of Gas, Wood and Electric Fireplaces

December 28, 2021 11:59 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Many of our customers considering a fireplace often ask us, “What are the benefits of a gas fireplace, wood fireplace or an electric fireplace?” Luckily for them, we have the answers. This post will cover the pros and cons of each type of fireplace. Gas fireplaces pros and cons We specialize in installing gas fireplaces and fire pits here at Custom Fire Art, but we understand that gas isn’t right for everyone. These are two reasons to consider gas and one reason to think about woodburning or electric: Ease of use: The main benefit of a gas fireplace is that it’s super easy to use. You don’t have to mess with starting a fire—all you need to do is press a button. There are even some models with remote controls these days. Zero maintenance: If you don’t like cleaning, a gas fireplace or an electric fireplace is for you. Because there’s no messy ash residue, gas fireplaces are essentially maintenance- Higher installation costs: The one downside of gas fireplaces is that they’re expensive to install. This cost gets more expensive if you also need to run a new gas line to the unit. Woodburning fireplaces pros and cons It’s tough... View Article