Remove a brand new outdoor fireplace?

6 years ago

We are moving into a new spec house built by a big national builder. We don't like the outdoor fireplace in the corner of the deck in the design, but removing it was not an option no matter how hard we tried to negotiate with the builder. Now the dilemma. Is it worth paying to remove it after paying the builder to install it? Our house looked out to a natural buffer zone with seasonal river view, and we like natural light coming into the house. The fireplace is in the corner of the deck taking up almost 1/3 of the deck and much of the view and the natural sunlight. What would you do? Would you leave it alone as it has value for resale -or- would you remove it to get the view and light? It feels like a huge waste of money. Have anyone done anything like this?
Thanks.

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Comments (5)

Aglitter
6 years ago
Oh, I would absolutely leave it! Planning to build something like that in my own yard, and it will block some of the view, but where else are you going to put your fire where you can most easily enjoy it? You could even do some outdoor cooking on it with the right equipment. That's a massive unit to remove. If you were planning to be in this house a long time and aren't the type to enjoy fires, then maybe so, but it sounds like you are looking to resell at some point. Also, keep in mind that for some reason many men tend to like fires more than some women do, so make sure you are evaluating this with everyone's opinions taken into account. Sitting outdoors in front of a fire can be romantic and relaxing, and what better place than a balcony to do that? You do have a lot of light and view even with the fireplace, and if you go ahead and build some fires you might find you love the atmosphere.
mkkmkk thanked Aglitter
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
6 years ago
I’m not surprised you didn’t get the “big national builder” to make changes. That’s not how they make money.

Live with it for a while, use it a time or two, then see what you think. It’s your house, after all, and if you don’t want it have it removed. $$$
mkkmkk thanked littlebug zone 5 Missouri
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tedbixby1981
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I'd remove it. It was something you didn't want to begin with and it is bugging you enough to post here. You have a great view, so why not do it. I don't see it adding any resale value especially since it is taking up so much space. Personally, the view would be more important to me as that can't be added. Plus, the backside of it looks weird as if the builder ran out of stone and couldn't continue all the way to the ground. Have you considered enlarging that upper deck outward? If so, it might be something you do if you decide to remove the fireplace. As I think that would bring more enjoyment and add something to the resale value. Enjoy your new home.
mkkmkk thanked tedbixby1981
mkkmkk
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for your thoughts! 3 people with 3 different opinions!

Belaria, you correctly picked up on that we do not intend to live there permanently! You are also right in that my husband is more amiable to the fireplace than I do, although he also agree that the view is better than an occasional use of the fireplace. He encourages me to remove it. Thank you for your encouragement as well, Littlebug.

Tedbixy, as you pointed out, it does bug me whenever I look out. The structure is so imposing. I want to push it out of the way.

Right now, we live an hour away. We are going back there this week to take another look. We have contractor coming out in a month or so to add extra windows and other minor enhancements. It will be a good time to have him do that as well if we decide to. We'll see what his quote come out to.

COVID-19 is putting a damper on a lot of our plan. We may just have to live as is and not waste more $$$.

Hope you are all safe and doing well. Thank you all again!
k t
2 years ago
I’m late in weighing in, but I’m here on Houzz researching for a new stone fireplace that we’re having built. My guess is that the fireplace was placed off center to enjoy the view you described (and I can see in the pic). If you had it removed in 2020 or 2021, you saved yourself a lot of money compared to 2024 pricing. IMO, I would have kept it to enjoy the view with a glowing, off-center fire. :)