Meta: In 2022, home-owners are looking to go big and they’re doing that by building outdoor fireplaces. If you want to hop on this trend, here’s what you need to know!
It’s one thing to have an interior design that looks like it came straight out of a glossy magazine; however, it’s something altogether different when your back garden is the envy of the neighbourhood. Over the years, people in Memphis, Tennessee have poured thousands of dollars into their backyards. They’ve bought pools, built decks, installed patios, improved on the landscaping and so much more. What else can they possibly do to elevate their backyards to another level?
Two words… outdoor fireplaces
In HomeLight’s End of the Year Report for 2021, 65% of surveyed estate agents reported that their clients are vying for an outdoor fireplace. No, not a firepit, but a full-on fireplace! If this is something you’re interested in, here’s what you need to know before moving forward.
Which is best: wood or gas?
Like most fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces are primarily fuelled by wood or gas. Now, which is the best? Eh. That’s a matter of preference. Both are excellent choices and they look amazing no matter the design you choose. However, if you ask real estate agents, 48% say that gas-burning fireplaces are popular and you can see a decent return on that investment.
Why is gas preferable? Gas fireplaces are popular because they burn a lot cleaner than wood. Sure, you aren’t going to get that woody smell, but you’ll probably save on fuel. Plus, many areas have put in code enforcement regulations regarding air quality. With gas… You don’t have to worry about that.
Do fireplaces add value to your property?
Usually one of the factors we’d take into consideration when it comes to deciding what home renovation we’re going to tackle is the cost (of course) and how it’ll improve life in the home, which is completely understandable. When it comes to installing an outdoor fireplace, it’s a good idea to think about the return on your investment.
In 2020, if you were to install an outdoor fireplace on your property, you could see your home’s value rise by at least 17%. In March 2020, on average, that would mean your house would increase its value by $3,743 to $4,385.
Now, we know it’s not going to seem like a huge deal, but it’s still a nice increase in value. If you’re on the west coast, the return on investment is a whopping 123% increase… Or an added value of $9,497 at the low end. Nice!
Is an outdoor fireplace right for you?
Making home improvements is all part of the responsibilities of being a home-owner. But the struggle some home-owners have is choosing projects that improves the liveability of the home, complies with local regulations, is within your budget, and your property’s value will increase.
An outdoor fireplace is the big sister to the fire pit. You can sit in front of a roaring fire, but it’ll be like you’re in another room of your house (similar to a living room, for example) instead of feeling like you’re sitting by a camp-fire on some logs.
When you’re burning an outdoor fireplace that uses gas to fuel it, it burns cleaner (which is better for the environment) and it’s the most preferred option. Buyers are more likely to be drawn to a gas-burning fireplace just for that reason! But if you love the comforting smell of firewood, then by all means install a wood-burning one.
Regardless of what kind of outdoor fireplace you choose, you can rest assured in knowing that this home improvement project will make your yard or garden stand out against the rest!
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