Questions When Buying a Home with a Fireplace

Spring is the time when the real estate market heats up. That means that there are more buyers looking for a new home. If you fall into this category, and if the home you are considering has a fireplace, this article is for you.  These are a few questions and considerations I wish we had thought about prior to purchasing our last home.  These tips could save you hundreds of dollars.

Know What You are Buying!

This may sound silly, but there are a few different fireplace options available, and at times it may be hard to determine what type of fireplace you have. Below are a few questions you may want to ask the seller or agent before making an offer, or during your inspection period.  Firstly, what type of fuel does the fireplace use?  Typically, this will be wood, gas or electric. 

Wood Burning Fireplace or Insert

If the answer is a wood burning fireplace, you will want to have the chimney inspected.  This is outside the scope of what most home inspectors do, and your best bet is to contact a certified chimney sweep.  Typically, they will come out and use a camera to determine the condition of chimney. Based on what they find, they will make recommendations on what, if any, issues need to be addressed. This is not a service that Housewarmings currently offers but there are several good sweeps in the area.

Electric Fireplaces or Inserts

If you find out that the home in question has an electric fireplace, your Home Inspector can usually determine if it’s functional simply by turning it on, making sure that any remotes, controls, and/or special light features are working properly.  It is always best to mention this to the home inspector before they come out to inspect the home. 

Gas Fireplaces / Gas Fireplace Inserts / Gas Log Sets

If you find out that your fireplace runs on gas, things get a little more complicated, and there are several additional questions you will want to ask.  If the seller cannot provide all the answers, it’s not the end of the world, but the more information you can get from the seller and share with the inspector, the less chance of missing anything.

Questions to Ask

Does the unit use natural gas or liquid propane (LP)?

When was the last time you used the fireplace, did it function correctly, and how old is the unit?

When was the last time the fireplace was serviced and who did the service?

What type of gas fireplace is it, is it vented or vent free and who is the manufacturer? 

These questions are important because what many people assume is a gas fireplace, is in fact a wood-burning fireplace or insert that was converted at some point to use a vented log set.  Additionally, even if you determine that you are looking at a gas fireplace, it is important to determine if it is an insert, a direct vent fireplace, or a vent free unit.  Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons that you, as the new owner, should be aware of.  This is especially true of vent free fireplaces, inserts or log sets that may be an issue for those with asthma or respiratory illnesses. If you would like to know more about each of these gas appliances, we encourage you to check out our website at the link below to determine what type of unit you have and what the pros and cons are.   https://www.myhousewarmings.com/hearth-main

Inspection Areas for a Gas Fireplace, Insert or Log Set

Inspection of gas or wood fireplaces is beyond the scope of most home inspectors do, but it is always best to ask since you don’t want to pay for the same service twice.  If your home inspector can do a gas fireplace inspection, the inspection should include among other things :  With gas to the fireplace, make sure there are no gas leaks.  Ensure that the pilot and gas ignition work properly, including any remote controls and/or thermostats.  Allow the unit to burn for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no unexpected odors present and that any venting is working properly.  The inspector should also note if there is any excessive soot present. Finally, the inspector should determine if safety equipment is present including Smoke, CO2, and O2 detectors.  If you can be present at the time of the inspection, this is also a great time to have the inspector go over the operation of the unit and show you where the various controls are located - including any flue dampers that need to open before using the fireplace. 

Home Inspector Doesn’t Do Gas Fireplaces?

If your home inspector does not offer Gas Fireplace inspections, Housewarmings has you covered.  Our service department can inspect your gas fireplace or gas log set and document their findings and recommendations via email.  To schedule your inspection call 859-231-0005 and select option 2.

Just Have an Ugly Fireplace? 

 Have a fireplace that works but needs a makeover?  We can help there as well.  Housewarmings has Lexington’s best selection of non-combustible manels, fire screens, and hearth accessories.  Call or drop in to speak with one of our design consultants and let us help bring your vision to life.