Written by Will Valento

Winter is coming. That’s a fact that Minnesota homeowners know all too well, which is why many of them are scrambling to find cost-effective ways to protect their abodes from nature’s frigid bite. After all, no one wants to be forced to wrap themselves up in five jackets and an electric blanket just to survive a night at home. Fortunately, with a touch of planning this winter, you can transform your chilly abode into a romantic, atmospheric haven of warmth, comfort and fun for your family.

Here at We Build the Fun Stuff, we’re passionate about connecting homeowners across Minnesota with all of the resources and support they need to make their houses as comfortable, welcoming and fun as possible. We also understand how tough it can be to find convenient and effective ways to stay toasty during the winter months, especially when you’re tight on cash. Today, we’ll be chatting about one of the most efficient tools you can use to warm up during even the harshest Midwestern winters: the custom fireplace. Here are three incredible benefits of installing one of these luxurious pieces in your home.

1. They’re Atmospheric & Stylish

It’s no secret that custom fireplaces are an excellent source of atmospheric lighting. The enchanting glow that a fireplace gives off is a great way to set the mood for a romantic night with your partner or an after-dark scary movie marathon (or ghost story session) with your kids or close friends. Even normal nights at home are made more enjoyable when you’re able to watch the flickering flames of your fireplace and fall into its illuminating embrace. It’s also worth noting that fireplaces lend a distinct sense of style to the rooms they’re installed in. Not only do they act as a compelling focal point for the space, but their lights create dynamic glows and shadows across nearby surfaces, breathing life and energy into the room. Consequently, you can use fireplaces to bolster the appeal of “boring” areas in your home or to highlight certain objects and items around them. Put simply, a custom fireplace is an elegant piece that brings both style and utility to the table. What’s not to love?

2. They’re Efficient & Convenient

All sealed fireplace variants make use of unique mechanics and ventilation systems to reduce thermal loss and utilize the air outside for combustion, meaning that you can use these units to lessen the workload of your home’s primary heating system. The result? Decreased energy consumption from your furnace that results in lower utility bills this winter. All you have to do is crank down your thermostat whenever your fireplace is burning bright. Also, bear in mind that fireplaces are an incredibly eco-friendly heating solution. Gas fireplace inserts boast an impressive 65% to 99% efficiency rating, meaning that they produce very little pollution and smoke. Moreover, custom fireplaces are easy and inexpensive to maintain. In most cases, owners commit less than $100 bucks per year for annual checkups. And trust us, that’s a small price to pay for all of the nights of comfort and family fun you’ll get from your new fireplace.

3. They Add Value to Your Home

Whenever you’re looking into home renovation projects, it’s important to consider how much value these additions will add to your property. Fireplaces are a timeless home feature that most prospective buyers are very interested in owning. In fact, a recent NAHB consumer preferences survey reported that 77% of homebuyers want a fireplace. Because fireplaces are so highly valued by potential buyers, many are willing to pay thousands of extra dollars for a house that features at least one, meaning that installing a high-quality fireplace could markedly increase the value of your home, allowing you to recoup most (if not all) of its upfront and maintenance costs if you ever decide to sell. And let’s not forget the fact that you and your family will be able to enjoy the outstanding warmth and enchanting glow of that fireplace up until then! Talk about a win-win situation.

Install a Gorgeous Custom Fireplace in Your Home With We Build the Fun Stuff

Will Valento, our industry-leading contractor and home renovation expert, has been installing beautiful custom fireplaces in Minnesota homes for over 15 years. Thanks to his expertise, We Build the Fun Stuff offers an unlimited selection of fireplace designs and styles (we’ve built more than 3500 so far) to choose from. If you can imagine it, we can build it. Whether you’re seeking a small, subtle and minimal design to add a splash of serenity to your living room or a robust unit that utilizes dynamic and colorful stones to create a classical look for your basement, We Build the Fun Stuff can provide you with the fireplace of your dreams. Regardless of your budget or limitations, we’ll work tirelessly to find a renovation solution that meets and exceeds your expectations. Looking for design inspiration or proof that we’re one of the best home improvement contractors in the Midwest? Then be sure to take a look at a few of the phenomenal fireplace designs we’ve created for past clients.

If you’re interested in transforming your home into a warm and cozy reprieve from the winds of winter this year, then be sure to contact us today to arrange a free design consultation with We Build the Fun Stuff. You can also shoot us a call or message at 651-407-0707 or info@webuildthefunstuff.com to learn more about our services or chat about your next big project. We look forward to meeting you and discussing what we can do to make your dream home a reality!