New construction in so-cal - fireplace?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

In exploring floor plan options for new construction, we seem to have stumbled upon a controversial issue: we could care less if there is a fireplace in the house. Others (older generation) think it's a must have.

In temperate southern California it seems completely out of place and takes up a solid 10 sqft. of floor area in vital living space, not to mention it isn't free (and fire risk, earthquake hazard, and pollution if you actually use the thing with proper wood).

If we left it out (but replaced it with something beneficial, like windows), do you think we'd regret it if we had to sell?

Yes, fireplace is a must have

No, could care less about a fireplace.

Ehh, nice to have but not a high priority

Featured Answer

tfswest

10 years ago

With all the New England/Mid Atlantic colonial-ish references in the woodwork (to say nothing of the colonial-revival furniture) it might look a bit funny without the fireplace, which has the best detailing in the room. However, you have no use for it, it likely will not enhance resale value (unless prospective buyers are from the Frozen North and can't envision life without a fireplace). I would, however, have a really good plan of how to use the space if you remove it, and design that will integrate with the rest of the room. It may be particularly tricky figuring out what to do with the upper part of the wall. What a wonderful airy cheerful space you have there; best of luck with whatever you decide to do with it!

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Comments (15)

sspaa
10 years ago
If the fireplace is dangerous in anyway and can hurt anyone then don't have it. Yet if you don't care about that then I think it puts a nice touch to the room.
teamaltese
10 years ago
If you don't want it, don't get it. Your house. BTW, we're "older generation" and we just removed a fireplace in Southeastern coastal Florida. No need for it, and it was a massive eyesore.
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stewy2you
10 years ago
We have two fireplaces in our ND home. HATE THEM!!!
patrinkac
10 years ago
I love my FP as a room focal point. Even more so after I jettison the entertain center (TV will be in Sunroom only). Although I must confess that I have only actually burned logs once since I got go-ahead clearance from a chimney sweep/inspector three years ago. Preformed logs=yes. Candle display=yes. I love the opportunity for decorating the mantle.
patrinkac
10 years ago
Should have stated that I am in central Florida.
Nyla W.
10 years ago
Unless you have another feature in the living room, I would be careful about not having a fireplace at all.
The Pazirandehs
Original Author
10 years ago
Please note that the photo is just something I pulled from houzz and added a '?' to, not the space we'll actually be working with, though the comments about having a style conscious replacement focal point are well taken.

Being in the 'older generation' is all just state of mind btw, no offense intended to our wiser houzzers :)

Also, having written this q late at night, please excuse my grammar, most notably 'could care less' -> 'couldn't care less' :)
Jen Herter
10 years ago
We have a fireplace in our San Diego home and we love it. We get excited the few days a year we get to use it.
bilkha
10 years ago
I think it would be beneficial to have the room dimensions and projected layout with and/ without the fireplace, location of doors and windows. I do think the size of the room matters....Windows are more important than the fireplace in a small room. Also, is it open concept and attached to the kitchen. I prefer a fireplace .... In a spacious room as a focal point. My mother in law lives near Daytona and it does get chilly enough there to use a fireplace. Gas not wood burning which is a hassle and creates a mess.
As far as safety is concerned, if you plan on having or have children, that is an issue. We had to gate ours off for those adventurers us tots!
Good Luck!
M B
10 years ago
I'm from CA. Fireplaces are not a necessity there. My parents never used ours while I was growing up and my husband and I did not use ours. They were just a waste of space.
chloebud
10 years ago
We live in SoCal and have two fireplaces...living room and family room. Even with the few winter nights we use them, we would not want a home without at least one.
PRO
Earth Bound Homes
10 years ago
I have been building homes in the bay area for more than a decade and I can count on one hand the number of fireplaces that we have put in. Almost none of our clients want one and the cost of installation vs. the number of nights that they are used means you are spending $100 every time you use one for the first 8-10 years. They are also super inefficient and none of the new ones allow you to burn wood in them. they are either gas or pellet and all are sealed combustion, by code, so do yourself a favor, don't put one in, install a window in that space and spend the rest of the money on your family doing something fun.
chloebud
10 years ago
Earth Bound Homes, I'm really surprised since everyone I know wants a fireplace. However, I can't think of anyone who had to pay for installation. Their homes all had fireplaces when they were purchased. For us, they really add something nice to a chilly night.
sabra900
10 years ago
We are in SF Bay area. Our 115 yo urban farmhouse does not have a fireplace and we are so happy about it. We have so many no burn days...earthquake that damage chimneys...we 'll pass.