What You Should Know before Getting to the "How to Build a Fireplace" Stage

You have several choices in regards to how to build a fireplace. First of all, if you do not have even an existing hole in the wall where a firebox resides, you will have to start a fireplace from scratch. Starting completely at the beginning can be a daunting task. Secondly, you will need to consult with your local building code office to see if you need a special permit in order to build a fireplace inside your home.
Deciding exactly where and how to build a fireplace is the biggest dilemma. If you are starting from scratch, you will likely want to build against a wall or in a corner. Whether you build a flue and chimney by hand or purchase a prefabricated kit, you will likely need the room necessary to cut into a wall or bring a metal pipe for venting purposes through the roof or wall.
If you are in the process of erecting a home, you will have an easier time learning how to build a fireplace. Creating from the ground up is a lot easier than taking an existing room and trying to figure out how to create a traditional fireplace (a firebox installed inside the wall with its own chimney). If have the unfortunate luck to be working with an existing space and you don't feel that a traditional fireplace can be incorporated, you still have free standing options you can build out.
Another alternative on how to build a fireplace includes the purchase of a prefabricated kit as mentioned above. You can buy these kits online or through your local fireplace dealer. The same dilemma remains as building from scratch. Where do you put it? Again, how to build a fireplace via this method entails a location in close proximity to a wall or corner to promote proper venting.
The next decision in your quest on how to build a fireplace is what type of energy source do you want to use? Whether you have a traditional fireplace, or a stand alone unit, you will have to choose between wood and gas. In addition, the freestanding fireplaces have a few extra choices like pellet or gel fuel fireplace units.
As you can tell, learning how to build a fireplace is a little more complicated brick and mortaring something together. There are a lot of choices to make, especially if your home does not already come with an existing fireplace. Be sure and do your research in regards to safety, building codes, heating options, materials and even the style of your fireplace. When all is said and done, you can enjoy those "home fires burning."