Dreaming of a cosy living area?

Do you dream of creating that warm and cosy area where you can entertain guests, or simply wind down with a glass of red wine or hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s evening?
There are some great ways to incorporate a cosy lounge/living area with a fireplace or electric/gas fireplace if you do not have the room or want the mess and work involved with owning a fireplace.
Before You Install a Fireplace
 
  1. Not all homes can support a fireplace. Firstly, understand that some homes are more suited to support a new fireplace than others. With the sheer number of different fireplace types available, it’s almost certainly possible to get some kind of fireplace installed. However, you may have to be open to different ideas depending on what model works best.
  2. Making your choice. There is an extensive variety of fireplaces available and there can be important decisions to make. For example, what type of fuel will your fire consume? If you plan to install a wood fire, where are you going to store that wood? How much will the wood cost? Would you prefer electric, natural gas or propane? Will the Fireplace work in with the rest of your room?
  3. Varying costs, If your home has the options for an inexpensive model, you may be able to get a unit installed for two-three thousand dollars or less. However, if your installation is going to require significant changes, your budget can soon start to stretch to thousands of dollars.
  4. Fireplaces aren’t energy efficient. If you’re planning to install a fireplace to heat your home, you might want to reconsider. Whilst a Fireplace provides a cozy ambiance and radiant warmth, they do consume a lot of energy in the process. Traditional Fireplaces that require wood tend to cost far more to run than natural gas- fireplaces . This is mostly because most of the heat generated by the fireplace is lost through the chimney. If you’re looking to heat multiple rooms, use the fireplace to complement your main heating system. The ambience created from the fireplace will be worth every cent!
  5. Maintenance and upkeep are required. If you want to maximize the safety and efficiency of your setup, it’s important to maintain your fireplace. These maintenance requirements can vary depending on your type of fireplace and how the fireplace is set up, but you’ll almost always need to periodically clean the inside from deposits of dirt, dust and ash build up.
  6. It’s inadvisable to install the fireplace yourself. There is a lot to consider when choosing the best fireplace as it relates to health and safety. Almost every fireplace poses at least one safety hazard. For example, a wood-burning fireplace could pose a serious lung hazard if it’s not ventilated properly, and a natural gas fireplace could pose a danger if the gas line isn’t installed correctly. 

If you’re planning to install a fireplace, you will need to consider the regulations regarding the size of the fireplace as well as where it can be placed within your home or business establishment.
You should check if it complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2918:2018.

Our design team are always available to answer any questions you may have on structural renovations that may require a planning or building permit.

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Check out some links to local suppliers that will be able to assist with any questions you may have;