Improve the Look and Safety of your Home with a Fireplace Remodel

If you have an older home, chances are that the masonry around the fireplace might be a wee bit antiquated. A fireplace remodel is the perfect solution to sprucing up what is probably an eyesore in your home. Just fair warning … giving your fireplace a facelift just might make you want to use it more! There are a number of ideas to play around with in creating a new look.
Paint is the simplest solution along with adding a mantel shelf. Resurfacing your fireplace surround is a more involved process but brings great results.
Sometimes, a fireplace remodel is a bit trickier. For instance, if you have a wood-burning fireplace but you are allergic to smoke, you might want to convert it to a natural gas model. Or perhaps the natural gas option is more cost effective than buying firewood. No matter what the reasoning is, this type of conversion is a lot trickier. For instance, first you have to have a natural gas connection. If you don't, you will have to most likely purchase a propane tank and run piping to the fireplace. That involves extra expense to the remodeling project.
If your fireplace remodel is due to safety or efficiency concerns, there are several things you should look for in the course of this project. First of all, your damper should be inspected for proper ventilation. If the damper malfunctions, your home could fill with not only smoke but also gas, if using propane or other natural gas resources. This can be deadly. Examine all the working parts of the damper. If you see any rust or busted pieces (as this can happen with older fireplaces), replace the parts immediately.
If you have a blower on your fireplace (it pushes the warm air throughout your home), be sure to inspect it too. Blowers should make minimal noise, so if you notice it getting louder, chances is it needs to be replaced. If a problem with the blower goes undetected or repaired, it can seize up and cause a potential fire hazard to your home.
The safety of your family and home is paramount. So before you start any type of fireplace remodel, consult with a home inspector, contractor or building inspection official located in your city or local area. Run your remodeling ideas past them first. Research safety precautions and know the specific parameters that will meet building code. Check out books from the local library if you have to. Do whatever it takes to make sure the job gets done right the first time. The last thing you want to do is have to start over with your fireplace remodel.