What to Consider When Building a Fireplace

Cost

• Fireplaces can be relatively expensive. According to Old House Web, a scratch-built masonry fireplace including materials, labor and installation can cost more than $6,000 in 2009 dollars. Pre-fabricated fireplaces are somewhat less expensive. Old House Web and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution cite a cost of between $1,800 and $2,300 for installing a pre-fabricated fireplace and chimney as of 2006.

Features

• Fireplaces are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some take up considerable amounts of space in the home, but provide a focal and gathering point. You can choose fireplaces with or without features such as glass doors and heat shields, which improve efficiency and reduce drafts. Some recent fireplaces actually include heat circulation ducts, so they work more like a forced-air furnace. These fireplaces work significantly better than conventional types, but also cost more.

Fuel Efficiency

• Many wood heating methods are low efficiency. Fireplaces are some of the least energy-efficient home heating options, with ratings of 15 percent or less, according to the California Energy Center. When the fireplace is not in use, it may actually produce a "negative-efficiency" effect, where warm air is drawn out of the home by the chimney. Keep dampers closed whenever you're not using the fireplace to reduce this problem. If you're interested in a fireplace for its heating value, an efficient wood or pellet stove may be a better choice.

Safety

• All wood-burning appliances come with a certain degree of risk. Improperly maintained chimneys can result in chimney or roof fires, especially if you burn green wood or some types of softwood. The University of Illinois recommends having your chimney inspected and cleaned once per year. Install bird or animal guards on the top of the chimney to keep small animals from building nests inside. Always make sure the damper is open for the duration of the fire, to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and possible poisoning, and never burn painted or pressure-treated wood, due to the risk of fumes.