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Answers (16)
- Laura McKenna, "LauraMcKennaHomes"
- Contributions:27
Probably not.
I find that most of my buyers prefer a wood burning fireplace in the family room, and if there are other rooms in the house with fireplaces they prefer gas in the additional fireplaces.
There's nothing like walking into a room with a wood burning fire! I have to admit that the newer gas burning fireplaces are so well designed these days that they look like the real McCoy. If only they smelled like burning wood when turned on!
Good luck with your decision.
- Bob Brandt, "BobBrandtRealtor"
- Contributions:1019
Here in Chilly Northern Illinois,if you stage the home during a showing with a romantic cozy gas fire that you would not have done if it was wood burning only, then I think it will add extra value. Be sure you also have attractive tools, screen, mantle and do not burn the house down or blow it up demonstrating how great it is.
- Nicholas Ribeiro, "NicholasRibeiro"
- Contributions:1807
In my market its the opposite!
- Thomas Trifon
- Contributions:49
Don't do it. I was marketing a LEED certified house, so the fireplaces were gas. My buyer wanted wood, and after closing, they paying a lot to switch it to wood.
In my old house, I had had wood fireplaces, nice, but when it was 10 below, I didn't like going outside to get some logs. My current house has gas, and it is a real convenience to "just hit the switch."
I guess the gist of it is, it will not make any difference in the sale of the house.
In my old house, I had had wood fireplaces, nice, but when it was 10 below, I didn't like going outside to get some logs. My current house has gas, and it is a real convenience to "just hit the switch."
I guess the gist of it is, it will not make any difference in the sale of the house.
- Chris McNelis, Broker, "Chris McNelis"
- Contributions:1
Hi Debbie, a fireplace is added value to any home, as long as it works! Whether gas or wood, Appraisers and Buyers and Agents should recognize the added value. For Buyers concerned about heat costs, gas is their favorite because there is not as much loss through a damper. A wood burning fireplace is not as efficient, but wow it smells good, looks good, feels good and sounds good! I guess you know what I have in my house haha
Overall, it depends upon the location in the house, the finishes, and the preferences that a typical Buyer who would be attracted to your home and neighborhood might have.
Have fun and stay warm!
Chris McNelis
Broker
The McNelis Group, LLC
410-394-0990
Overall, it depends upon the location in the house, the finishes, and the preferences that a typical Buyer who would be attracted to your home and neighborhood might have.
Have fun and stay warm!
Chris McNelis
Broker
The McNelis Group, LLC
410-394-0990
- Callan Coleman, "Callan_Coleman"
- Contributions:1
Here in the Northwest, a wood fireplace is solely ornamental, and good for heating at all. For example, when we lost power due to a wind storm we were out for 8 days, so I burned a fire in the fireplace only to realize it was not getting any heat into the house at all. So people tend to not see it as an added value to the home due to the hassle of dealing with the wood. If it can be converted easily to gas, then I think people get more excited about it, as it can add a nice heating element to your home as well as a very nice look with fire in the cozy winter nights. One thing that is nice if the home has a currently permitted wood stove or a pellet stove. This also is a great source of heat, often able to heat the entire house, if not a great portion of it.
- Olivia Winslow, "ocwinslow"
- Contributions:3
In my market area, Boston's North Shore, having a fireplace is considered an added value to a property. Whereas there seems to be a trend for gas FP in newer homes, the charm of a wood burning fireplace is more attractive to a buyer. Period homes that have fireplaces in almost every room have great appeal, but the reality is that most are not practical (bedrooms for instance) or functional. Buyers like the idea that they can convert an existing wood burning FP to gas (assuming you have gas in the house) and I have seen great examples of this. So to answer the question from a seller's perspective, converting to a gas FP will not add value.
- Noah Walsh, "westsideluxeliving"
- Contributions:1
A fireplace will add value wether it's wood or gas. But, a wood fireplace with it's added smell factor will win big with whomever your trying to impress. I can't imagine Burt reynolds or Tom Selleck with a gas fireplace.
- Venita Peyton, "Venita L. Peyton"
- Contributions:22
IMO, one major difference is the location of the home: in other words, rural vs. urban setting.
In a rural area, wood may be more prevalent, however, natural gas lines aren't. This means a homeowner has to purchase bottled gas. On a contract, the gas supplier brings when its convenient to them (and most costly to homeowner). When not on a contract, homeowner can buy and refill when needed.
In an urban setting, gas lines are typically run up to the street, and (first) homeowner only pays to have the line run to the house. Then presto: pilot lit, fireplace lights up.
In a rural area, wood may be more prevalent, however, natural gas lines aren't. This means a homeowner has to purchase bottled gas. On a contract, the gas supplier brings when its convenient to them (and most costly to homeowner). When not on a contract, homeowner can buy and refill when needed.
In an urban setting, gas lines are typically run up to the street, and (first) homeowner only pays to have the line run to the house. Then presto: pilot lit, fireplace lights up.
- Jim Seabold, "JimSeabold"
- Contributions:1811
This change will not increase or decrease your home's value. The fireplace alone adds to the value. I'd save the money unless you want it for personal reasons.
- 1hardwrkr
- Contributions:6
I always thought a wood fireplace was better than a gas. I guess gas is more convenient, but nothing beats the real thing!
- Bob Brandt, "BobBrandtRealtor"
- Contributions:1019
I say 0 value increase, just some convenience for a gas starter in a wood burning fireplace.
Adding gas logs will be extra nice.
Putting on a remote control adds some luxury and allows more use, so now that can help to distinguish it with the right marketing.
Gas lines can leak, so you are adding a potentially dangerous feature, if not done properly.
Adding gas logs will be extra nice.
Putting on a remote control adds some luxury and allows more use, so now that can help to distinguish it with the right marketing.
Gas lines can leak, so you are adding a potentially dangerous feature, if not done properly.
- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2166
There are many improvements that don't specifically add value to the property but help to distinguish it from the competition. I'd agree that it won't add value but is the change something that would increase the comfort of the home (which has a different kind of value) for you personally?
- Debra (Debbie) Rose, "Livingston NJ"
- Contributions:2735
No,it won't necessarily add value!
Leave it be - let the buyers change it over if they want to.
I have many buyers who prefer wood burning fieplaces to gas.......the fact that there is a fireplace in the first place is good enough!
I am sure you can find other things to do if you want to make improvements in order to sell your home - changing over to a gas fireplace isn't one of them.
Best wishes!
Leave it be - let the buyers change it over if they want to.
I have many buyers who prefer wood burning fieplaces to gas.......the fact that there is a fireplace in the first place is good enough!
I am sure you can find other things to do if you want to make improvements in order to sell your home - changing over to a gas fireplace isn't one of them.
Best wishes!
- K.K. Yan
- Contributions:23
It is such a personal thing. Probably not. Many times, home improvement seldom get your money back, maybe only help you sell faster.
- Wes Black
- Contributions:509
I really like a wood fire so I would leave it alone.
changing a fireplace from wood to gas add value for a house sale
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