Does removing a fireplace decrease home value?
If you own a home, you will quickly find that a fireplace is going to have an impact on the value of your home. Whether you are listing your home for sale or wishing you had a fireplace to turn on during a cold front, you may wish you had not removed your fireplace. In most cases, removing the fireplace will end up decreasing the value of the home. Most new buyers want that fireplace to stay there. They like the ambiance and all of the feeling that comes with the fireplace and if they find out it is removed, they are likely to pay less for the home. Since removing a fireplace is often a big deal and can cost a lot of money, it usually does not make sense to remove it from your home. Even if you have no use for the fireplace and do not want the hassle of using it all the time, just closing it up and leaving it there is better than removing the fireplace completely. At least in this way, the new owners, if you ever sell, have a chance to utilize the fireplace if they choose and you can still make a profit from it too. There is an exception to this though. If the fireplace is falling apart and in horrible shape, bad enough to cause a safety or health concern, then it is a good idea to remove the fireplace. A fireplace in poor condition may cause more concerns than benefits, therefore removing it may be a good idea. If you can afford to though, repairing it might be a better idea. If you are unsure what to do with your fireplace, you should consult a professional to see what they recommend.