Not only are fireplaces aesthetically pleasing focal points, but they can provide homeowners with numerous benefits. However, what about those homeowners that don’t find their fireplace aesthetically pleasing or functional? It is because of this that many people wonder if fireplaces can be moved.
While fireplaces can be moved, there are a few factors to consider. Your type of fireplace will determine how easy it is to move and how much this will cost. After all, free-standing units are easier to move than built-in ones. Where you want to move your fireplace is also a crucial consideration.
We’re going to provide you with all the information you need about moving a fireplace! Our guide to moving fireplaces will give you valuable insight into how your fireplace can be moved, where you could move it, and how much the process will cost you.
Can A Fireplace Be Moved?
A fireplace is a sought-after addition to any home, capable of providing both light and warmth. Of course, one of the main advantages of having a fireplace in your home is that it effectively lowers your heating bills. However, fireplaces are also important design elements in homes.
In any home, a fireplace is a feature that will naturally stand out. Due to the eye-catching nature of fireplaces, many homeowners decide to make their fireplace the focal point of a room. By making the fireplace a core focal point, homeowners can achieve cohesion and balance with their interior decorating.
Unfortunately, not all homeowners are satisfied with the placement of their fireplace. As a result, many people wonder whether fireplaces can be moved. Generally, all fireplaces can be moved. In fact, there may be advantages to doing this.
As many homeowners know, a fireplace increases the value of your property. Recent studies have shown that buyers are willing to spend more than $1000 extra to purchase a home with a fireplace. The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers states that a home’s value can be increased by 6 to 12% when a fireplace is added.
A poorly positioned fireplace may only slightly increase a property’s value. However, by moving a fireplace, homeowners can see a higher value increase. Of course, this is closely linked to the aesthetic aspect of fireplaces and how they enhance spaces – which is one of the main reasons people want to shift the location of these fixtures.
It’s important to note that some fireplaces will be easier to move than others. From table-top fireplaces to those that are wall-mounted, there are a wide variety of fireplaces available today. Ultimately, the type of fireplace you have will determine how it can be moved.
In turn, this will determine how much it will cost to move your fireplace. Naturally, a table-top fireplace will be easier and cheaper to move than a wall-mounted variant. By taking a closer look at these factors, you can decide whether your fireplace should be moved.
Factors To Consider When Moving A Fireplace
Above, we briefly touched on the various factors that need to be considered when you want to move your fireplace. Your primary consideration, of course, is your type of fireplace. Of course, this will reveal how your fireplace can be moved. In turn, this will allow you to determine where your fireplace can be moved and how much this will cost.
#1: Consider Your Type Of Fireplace
The type of fireplace in your home is a crucial factor when determining how it can be moved. We’re going to outline how five types of fireplaces can be moved.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Out of all the different types, wood-burning fireplaces are one of the most popular choices. From the warmth it provides to the sound of wood crackling on the fire, there’s much to love about these fireplaces. There are two main types of wood-burning fireplaces: prefabricated and site-built.
Compared to site-built masonry fireplaces, prefabricated variants typically cost more. These fireplaces are made from steel, aluminum, copper, and cast iron. Prefab fireplaces can be moved. However, those with sliding exteriors will be easier to move. Brick exteriors will require new you to lay new bricks when the fireplace is moved.
Site-built fireplaces, however, take more time to install than prefab models. Due to this, they’re also harder to move. A site-built fireplace will be harder to dismantle and move. Due to this, a professional mover or mason must be hired. Wood-burning fireplaces are one of the costliest types to move.
Gas-Burning Fireplaces
In terms of design, gas-burning fireplaces resemble wood-burning variants. However, natural gas or propane is used. These low-maintenance fireplaces are often installed within existing fireplaces. One of the many advantages of gas fireplaces is that they do not require a chimney or vents.
Due to this design, gas fireplaces are much easier to move than wood-burning fireplaces. To move this type of fireplace, you’ll need some carpentry skills and additional vent pipes. The gas supply will need to be disconnected before the fireplace can be moved. Once you’ve finished disassembling, you can move the fireplace to a new location and reassemble it.
When moving this type of fireplace, homeowners should be aware of manufacturer directions. For instance, a certain amount of clearance may be needed for the unit to be safely operated. It’s also possible to hire a professional. With gas systems installed in existing fireplaces, moving the entire fireplace may be trickier.
Bioethanol Fireplaces
Bioethanol fireplaces are highly popular, which is largely attributed to their unique functionality. Flames are created by combining ethanol and air, which prevents any ash or soot from forming. There are two main types of bioethanol fireplaces: open systems with a bioethanol container and closed systems connected to a gas line.
Open bioethanol systems can easily be moved to a different location. However, to move a closed system, you’ll need to call a professional. A professional will be able to assist you in cutting and capping the gas lines for your bioethanol fireplace. These fireplaces are easy and inexpensive to move.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are one of the most straightforward types, as these plug-in fireplaces do not require any installation. Many of these electric models feature a heating element, as well as a screen that displays a fire.
Of course, these remote-controlled fireplaces do not need any chimneys or vents. Once an electric fireplace has been assembled, it is easy to relocate. You’ll find it very easy to move an electric fireplace to any room of your house without the need to hire a professional!
Decorative Fireplaces
As the name suggests, decorative fireplaces are aesthetic in nature. These fireplaces are available in many styles and finishes, with fiber-optic technology used to create a realistic fireplace. Some models may even produce sounds or feature a heating element.
Of this, the above description may sound like that of an electric fireplace – if only they were as easy to move. Due to the technology involved, you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s directions. If your decorative fireplace features a heating element, you’ll also need to contact your local fire department about moving it.
#2: Consider Where Your Fireplace Will Be Moved
There’s obviously a good reason you want to move your fireplace! Whether you’re moving or aesthetic or functional reasons, where you move your fireplace is a crucial consideration. After all, this process can be costly with many types of fireplaces.
By carefully considering where you want to move your fireplace, you can ensure that you’ll be satisfied with its new location. By choosing the right space for your fireplace, you can increase its effectiveness.
Lounges
By moving your fireplace to your living room, you can create a welcoming and homey atmosphere. Whether you have a traditional fireplace or one with a more modern design, it won’t be hard for your fireplace to fit in.
By using a fireplace as the focal point in your lounge, you can tie together the different elements present in the space. However, the size of your living room and whether it can accommodate your fireplace must be determined. For small lounges, electric fireplaces are ideal.
Kitchens
From heating up your kitchen to providing a great ambiance, there are many reasons you may want to move your fireplace to your kitchen. However, you’ll need to carefully consider the layout of your kitchen and your type of fireplace.
Firstly, ask yourself whether your kitchen would have enough space to comfortably house your fireplace. Secondly, consider your fireplace and the materials used to construct it. Unfortunately, kitchen fumes from cooking have been known to damage masonry surfaces, which are often used for fireplaces.
Dining Rooms
One of the best spaces to utilize a fireplace is a dining room – just imagine all the dinners you’ll have by the fire! However, while a fireplace in your dining room may sound appealing, you’ll carefully need to consider how it will function there and whether there’s enough space for it.
Bedrooms
There are a surprising number of bedrooms with fireplaces. Of course, having a fireplace in your bedroom is a great way to heat your bedroom – especially during the colder months. However, with fireplaces like wood-burning models, it can be difficult to install in a bedroom. Free-standing fireplaces will be easier to move.
Bathrooms
For those looking to bring some ambiance to their bathroom, a fireplace might be just the way to do that. Just imagine how luxurious it will feel to take a bath next to a blazing fire. Generally, electric and gas fireplaces are best suited to bathrooms, both in terms of available space and the installation process.
Offices
Homeowners spend plenty of time in their offices or studies. Due to this, many decide to position a fireplace in their office. Of course, this can provide an elegant look. However, you’ll need to consider the size of your office, as well as its ventilation.
Outdoors
A fireplace is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your outdoor living area. Outdoors, your fireplace will be able to provide ambiance while functioning as a focal point – not to mention the warmth it can provide on chilly evenings. However, when considering this, you’ll need to evaluate the suitability of your fireplace type to an outdoor environment.
#3: Consider Costs Of Moving Your Fireplace
As we explained earlier, how much it costs to move your fireplace ultimately depends on the type of fireplace you have. Free-standing variants are easier and cheaper to move than those with complex installation. Of course, where you want to move the fireplace will also factor into these costs.
With many types, such as electric fireplaces, you will not need to pay to move the feature. However, moving a fireplace and chimney can cost anywhere between $3000 and $6000. Moving a partial fireplace, on the other hand, can cost between $500 and $2500. Ultimately, your type of chimney will determine how much this process costs.
Can You Completely Remove A Fireplace?
As we explained in the previous section, it is possible to move a fireplace. However, you might be wondering whether this means a fireplace can also be completely removed. While a fireplace can be removed, it can be a complex and costly process. Once again, this ultimately depends on your type of fireplace.
Brick fireplaces and chimneys are perhaps the most expensive features to remove, which can cost around $10,000. Of course, the total cost to remove your fireplace will depend on many factors, including the material it’s made of. Brick fireplaces will be more expensive to remove than metal variants due to the increased weight of the debris that needs to be removed.
Furthermore, if your fireplace has a chimney that functions as a structural element, the cost of removal will be even higher. Like with moving a fireplace, fully removing one depends on the type you have and its location. By contacting a reputable contractor, you can get a quote to completely remove (or simply move) your fireplace!
Conclusion
When moving a fireplace, there are many factors to consider. Firstly, you’ll need to consider your type of fireplace. Free-standing models will be easier to move than those with connected chimneys and gas lines. These factors, along with where you wish to move your fireplace, will determine how much the process costs you.
Sources
- https://whatblueprint.com/can-a-fireplace-be-moved-what-you-must-know/
- https://www.homelight.com/blog/fireplace-removal/
- https://www.ehow.com/how_12196772_remove-prefab-fireplace.html
- https://realestateke.com/how-to-move-a-gas-fireplace/
