| Rock fireplaces hearken to a time when uniform | | | | fireplace to a house is considered a structural |
| bricks where not always available. Beautiful by | | | | change. Inasmuch, an actual architectural design |
| design, these fireplaces have a long tradition of | | | | will likely be required along with a building permit. |
| being the option of choice in homes all around the | | | | Inspections, too, will likely follow to ensure the |
| world. | | | | rock fireplaces added have not made the home |
| Unlike their brick counterparts, rock fireplaces can | | | | structurally unsound or unsafe. |
| work very well in a number of different settings. | | | | Despite some government imposed hurdles, many |
| These designs can be made to look very upscale | | | | homeowners choose to add rock fireplaces to |
| and "expensive," or they can be crafted to offer | | | | older homes and even include them in the original |
| a more down-home rustic feel. Those who | | | | designs of new construction. These creations can |
| choose to add rock fireplaces to their home's | | | | add a sense of "home" to a house that few other |
| design will find they have a few options available | | | | features can. |
| to them. These include: | | | | The options to actually add a rock fireplace to a |
| Real rock: Real rock fireplaces are generally very | | | | house really present in only two fashions. They |
| expensive, but when they are created correctly | | | | are: |
| they will last for a lifetime and beyond. Many of | | | | Contractor: Hiring a contract to add a fireplace to |
| these fireplaces made hundreds of years ago still | | | | a house can add to the expense involved, but it |
| handle fires very well and require little | | | | can also give peace of mind. When a masonry |
| maintenance beyond normal cleaning and minor | | | | expert does the work, it will generally be |
| repairs. The pricing involved in real rock comes | | | | guaranteed, which is always a good thing. Plus, |
| from the difficulty in finding the right materials and | | | | these folks know how to handle the permitting |
| ensuring they are properly cut to create a | | | | process and other things that might be required |
| fireplace. | | | | to ensure the construction is within the code. |
| Fake rock: This is an option that has come and | | | | Self: Do it yourselfers can and do create rock |
| gone in popularity, but the truth is it can be the | | | | fireplaces. Many times they will use fake rock to |
| more affordable way to go. Faux rock fireplaces | | | | keep the expenses down, but it's a good idea to |
| give the illusion of real rock and they can be | | | | still ensure all permitting that might be required is |
| rather sturdy by design without costing nearly as | | | | taken care of in advance. |
| much. | | | | Rock fireplaces offer a certain charm that goes |
| Anyone wanting to add a rock fireplace to their | | | | beyond brick. By creating a homey feel or an |
| home will find they have a few hoops to go | | | | upscale feel, these fireplaces add warmth and |
| through. In most regions, the addition of a | | | | even value to a home. |