Homemade Fireplace Plans

Determine which room will house the fireplace. If you use your fireplace as a legitimate, practical heat source for your home, place it in one of the most commonly used rooms such as the living room. If you only want it for aesthetic purposes, the bedroom offers a romantic ambience. The fireplace can also act as a focal point in other rooms.

Choose a spot against the wall for locating your fireplace, allowing for adequate ventilation. Try to pick a wall that faces the outside of the house and another that doesn't -- in case you have options for ventilation. You can always move things like the television or furniture to better accommodate this new focal point.

Consider the complications and cost of ventilation as you decide on your ideal fireplace location. For example, if you choose a fireplace that requires ceiling ventilation, consider the rooms that may be above your fireplace. Running a ventilation pipe through them could be aesthetically displeasing and costly. Similarly, while some fireplaces can vent out through a wall, it may be more costly to create a hole in the side of your home than to go through the roof. Your local government may also have restrictions regarding where your fireplace ventilates in regarding to nearby buildings. If you have neighbors close by, consult a professional builder or your government's building codes.

Research your local government's building codes, as these can restrict your plans. If you have difficulty interpreting the codes, consult a professional or fireplace installation company to ensure compliance.

Go underground -- or at least under the floor. Check the support structure or underlayment beneath the room where you want your fireplace. Fireplaces can be heavy and may require extra support -- especially if you live in an older home. You may need a professional to install a foundation just for your fireplace.

Set a budget before shopping for installers. The cost of a new fireplace can vary greatly -- from a few hundred dollars or more than $20,000, reports the National Association of Realtors. Your budget determines the type of fireplace you can afford and the labor required to install it. You may wind up compromising on your fireplace type or location, depending on what's more economical.