Expert: Jessica Bryan - 1/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Jessica,
I live in a townhouse in Greenwich Connecticut.  Currently in my living room, I have an unvented, natural gas fireplace, which I hate.  I would like to just rip it out and not replace it, however I am concerned with how not having a fireplace will effect the value of my home in the future.  If I replace the fireplace, it will be a direct vent, natural gas model and it will cost at least 2200 dollars more than it will cost to simply have no fireplace at all.  Do you think it is really necessary to have a fireplace?

ANSWER: Dear Laura;
If it were Hawaii I would say--no problem but considering the winters in Connecticut I think that a fireplace is a very important feature. I realize that the cost is high to put in a vented fireplace, so how about keeping the one you have and just not using it?  You can always place a pretty decorative screen in front of it!

Sorry.

~Jessica Bryan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The problem with the current fireplace is that when the house was built the builder placed it very poorly, it is 30 inches deep and because of its placement, the entire room is losing about 15 square feet of space because very little can be placed around it.  It cannot remain where it is and my only options are to replace it or just gain the space.  I should mention that it is difficult to light and when it is lit, it is so hot no one can tolerate being within 6 feet of it.  I've shopped for other fireplaces, and they all burn just as hot, even if they are direct vent (vent free is not good for the air inside the house.

Does any of this change the fact that I'm much better having a fireplace - any fireplace - than not having one at all?

Answer
Dear Laura;
This does make a difference!  I would suggest taking it out and seeing if there is something you can do with a less expensive alternative.  I have seen (and used) fireplaces that are unvented with gas lines that really are more like a gas heater than a fireplace but look quite authentic with gas logs and automatic starters.  Home improvement stores offer them for less than $600 and they come in all kinds of designs with wood surrounds.  I still think that a fireplace is a valuable addition to a home in your area and if you take yours out you will take away value by at least $1,000 if not more.  My suggestion is to consult with a local real estate agent who has access to local MLS and can advise you on prices of sold units with and without fireplaces.  That will give you the real value.
Then, once you know how much more you get with a fireplace vs. none, you can decide what to do.

Good luck and best wishes.

Jessica Bryan