Many of us have found ourselves mesmerized by a roaring fire, and the warmth given-off can be so soothing on a cool night. Imagine warming yourself by the fireplace after a dip in the pool. Outdoor fireplaces make all of this possible, but there are five steps to making it a reality.

1 – Many towns and cities have their own ordinances on outdoor fireplaces. Often these require a fireplace to be placed well-away from any homes or flammable structures, and they may require you to move or remove any trees in the area. It is very important to know what restrictions apply in your particular location.

2 – Choose a location for your new fireplace — preferably far away from your home and any structures, shrubs or trees that could ignite, causing the fire to spread to your home (or your neighbors’ homes).

3 – When you are choosing a fireplace, be sure that it meets any local codes. There are pre-built fireplaces that are constructed with all codes and ordinances in mind, leaving you to simply install them. If you fancy yourself a mason, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money by constructing your fireplace yourself, but this course should not be taken lightly. A poorly-constructed fireplace can come back to haunt you when you try to sell your home. If it can’t pass inspection, it may have to be removed (which could be expensive), adding to the cost of selling your house.

4 – Prepare the site of your new fireplace by removing any trees, shrubs and other flammable objects from the area. Local ordinances may require you to lay a concrete foundation for it, which offers a fire-proof area surrounding it. Not only does this provide fire-protection, but it also improves the look of your new fireplace and is worth considering even if there are no ordinances that require it.

5 – As with every other step, when you begin actually constructing or installing your new fireplace, be sure to keep all ordinances in mind. A well-constructed fireplace can add substantially to the value of your home, but a poorly-constructed or poorly maintained fireplace can pose a threat, and reduce the value of your house.

When planning for outdoor fireplaces, it’s important to keep all local codes and ordinances in mind during the entire process: from planning to construction, to maintaining shrubs and trees to keep them away from your new fireplace. With all of this in mind, your fireplace can provide years of enjoyment to you and your guests. There is nothing like a roaring fire in the great outdoors on a chilly night or a winter afternoon.

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