Boca Raton Fireplaces for the Luxury Home

Posted by Jean-Luc Andriot on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at 3:18pm.

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The Least You Should Know About Your Fireplace

Florida would be the last place you’d think of with fireplaces. However, a warm fire with dancing flames is something most people would love to have in their homes, and it’s been a trend for a long time. A fireplace can add focal points to any room or backyard living space where family and friends gather round and enjoy the ambiance. This article shows some beautiful designs for the Boca Raton luxury home for you to use as examples when working with your realtor. Let’s get started.

Mantels Play an Integral Role with Fireplaces

Mantels play an integral role in fireplaces. They prevent too much heat from rising or hitting the wall and ceiling. The designs for mantels come in a variety of materials such as solid wood, stone or some other shelving. These come in a plethora of styles as well from contemporary to traditional. Most times people will mount or hang a flat screen television over the mantel which will prevent heat from rising and ruining the device. However, mantels and surrounds are also the decorative piece that draws the eye and helps create the focal point to the room. When working with a designer or contractor, you must ensure the mantel and firebox meet the National Fire Code which is generally 6” from the opening. Be sure your builder complies BEFORE the construction takes place. Your realtor or agent will also ensure these household items will meet Florida requirements during the inspection. 

The Chimney Creates an Inviting Environment

The chimney is another architectural form that features on a grand scale creating a warm and inviting environment. Monumental fireplaces are something more commonly found in luxury estate homes even in South Florida. However, in many of today’s modern homes it may be more common or provide harmony not having a chimney. A word to the wise, be sure to have a professional help with extracting debris and unwanted animals or birds from entering this area. Regardless, these beautiful structures can enhance any living area providing a more upscale look. 

A Hearth is Perfect for Protecting Floors

A hearth is the material placed in front of the fireplace made of non-combustible materials. This part of the fireplace will protect flooring from embers or the burning logs. This part of the fireplace is a great spot to store tools such as ash buckets or shovels, picks and tongs. They generally make these items of wrought iron and are necessary for managing a burning fire. However, if you have an electric fireplace or one that doesn’t use wood, the hearth may not even be necessary. Either way, be sure to consider your ultimate in design goals. 

Electric Versus Wood 

Whether you’re looking to buy a home or build one, you may face the decision to incorporate wood or electric. Many of today’s electric fireplaces are durable, perform well and look spectacular in any room or loggia. But even if you live in one of the luxury condominiums, you might enjoy a sleek electric fireplace hanging on the wall. There’s several to include forced-fam fireplaces and infrared quartz. Since it’s South Florida, you might be okay with one that produces 4,600 BTU’s of heat versus 9,600 BTU’s. While most Boca Raton homeowners will select a fireplace that need not be used for heat, it's nice to know they can warm up a room during our ‘chilly’ season. 

Your Outdoor Fireplace Adds Pizzazz

Outdoor fireplaces are popular and in high demand for homes in Palm Beach County. They deliver romantic crackle and are a mesmerizing way to entertain guests. They also add value to any property. When your agent is showing your property, they will point this amenity to the potential home buyer as added value. However, some people find these as more of a hazard than an important feature. Where you may need to remove the fireplace could cause you additional hassles compromising the sale. In that case, it’s always best to speak with your broker or realtor to determine the best case. 

Put that Fireplace on During Twilight Showings

Twilight showings for people selling their homes is becoming more popular these days therefore a fireplace can enhance the desire for someone looking to purchase. When doing an open house your agent may suggest a twilight showing using the fireplace as a selling point. These events are becoming more appealing to both sellers and buyers because the home really stands out. When there’s a beautiful sunset in the background and the home is lit up, it makes quite an impression. Ask your agent about hosting a twilight open house. These showings are excellent for beachfront and waterfront properties. 

Cleaning Your Fireplace is Important to Prevent Dangerous Situations

Cleaning your fireplace is not only a part of housekeeping it’s also necessary to prevent dangerous situations. The chimney is one place your home could be in danger with too much soot buildup. Fire inspectors will suggest having your fireplace maintenance once a year. 

Corbels are Ornamental Preferences

Corbels raise the argument of whether to use corbels during a design to have them at all. These are generally ornamental and unnecessary, but many builders enjoy them for the aesthetics of the design. Remember, if it’s not part of what they call the shoulder, the corbels aren’t vital to the function of the fireplace. 

Pilasters and Legs Add Elegance

Pilasters or legs are also elegant forms of trim work adding to your home’s character. The structures can be a part of wainscoting, chair rails or baseboards matching and adding more personality. However, these need to be less than 4” when they stand out from the wall, so they don’t get in the way. Standard heights for these will be 7-9 feet and will match your overall décor. Again, these are mostly cosmetic and aren’t part of the overall functionality. 

Hoods for a Fireplace Help Prevent Soot Buildup

Hoods also detract heat from the fireplace shielding from potential disaster. These items can also be decorative while preventing soot buildup. These structures help make clean up more user-friendly. These are support systems that are surface mounts or lintel mounts, but they are also a personal preference for the fireplace designs. 

Wood Boxes are Convenient

Wood boxes are nice to have but are also another part of the fireplace where convenience is in the layout. In some architecture, you’ll find a section cutout for storing your logs and wood. Make sure there’s plenty of space if you use the fireplace often. Also, be cautious whether your fireplace is indoors or out. Florida has attracted a lot of bugs and other things to these spaces. However, they make a neater appearance for storing natural materials. 

See Through Fireplaces Give Multi-Room Attractions 

See through fireplaces at hotels or other affluent buildings and offer the luxury of seeing the fire from multiple rooms. Newer see through fireplaces are gas where you can operate with your home's smart system or WiFi. Smart innovative and always beautiful, these are spectacular and decorate any room. With the things like Intellifire Ignition Systems, you’ll have instant heat and beauty and will enjoy your fireplace whether you’re in the kitchen or living room. 

These are just a few pointers when looking for homes with a fireplace. Fireplaces are also pretty adding extra pizzazz to any room. They can also make excellent selling points to prospective home buyers. Even though it’s Boca Raton, we still enjoy the warm ambiance a fireplace reveals. Contact us if you’d like to find a home with a fireplace. Also, ask your agent what his/her advice entails on showing homes with these familiar features. Thank you for reading.

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