For those looking for a fireplace model that brings many of the benefits of a traditional fireplace but without some of the upkeep needs and stressors, the electric fireplace is the way to go. Electric fireplaces offer several distinct benefits for certain homeowners, including their limited maintenance needs and beautiful aesthetics.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer several electric fireplace options for you to consider among our contemporary fireplace products. Because they’re newer products compared to some of the other fireplace options that have been available for decades or even centuries, we get more questions about our electric models than any other type – this two-part blog will dig into answering as many of these as we can by pointing out several areas you should consider when it comes to electric fireplaces.

No Gas Lines, Ventless

In many cases, particularly if you live in certain urban areas with strict environmental regulations, certain fireplace options simply won’t be available to you at all. Some building types do not allow new venting to be installed, for instance, while other areas may have limits on gas usage or wood fireplaces being installed.

With electric fireplaces, though, these concerns are removed. These models require no venting whatsoever, plus have no need for gas lines or any similar area. This means they’re perfect for virtually any property type or area.

Creating Flame Effects

Another benefit of electric fireplaces, especially for people with children or pets: They don’t create actual flames. Rather, these fireplaces produce flame effects that are stunning and realistic, but utilize LED lights rather than any actual flame or heat source. This is beneficial not only for safety, but for efficiency and environmental benefits as well.

Warmth and Heat to Touch

Now, the above isn’t to say that electric fireplaces don’t generate heat – they absolutely can, with electric blowers present that can often warm a small room or a section of a larger one. This kind of targeted heat is perfect for staying warm without raising your utility bill significantly.

However, it’s vital to note that while the fireplace can produce heat, the fireplace and glass will not heat up. This means these models are far safer for everyone.

Cost of Operation

While the cost of operating your electric fireplace will vary based on the price of electricity at any given time, an area that ebbs and flows, their overall operation is not expensive. Installation is extremely affordable, for one, and they require virtually no special maintenance or hassle to care for. And as we noted, their heat creation can be targeted based on your needs.

For more on the benefits and important factors surrounding electric fireplaces, or to learn about any of our fireplace services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the qualities that make electric fireplaces so popular and useful today. Bringing many of the benefits of a traditional fireplace without some of the major maintenance needs and other factors, electric fireplaces are perfect for many homeowners.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re proud to offer not only a wide range of fireplace products, including electric models, gas and gas insert fireplaces and many other modern fireplace options, but also home remodeling services that include helping you design a whole new space around your fireplace. Here are a few additional qualities of electric fireplaces that make them the centerpiece of many home remodeling projects.

Electric Fireplace Efficiency

One of the top qualities of electric fireplaces is how efficient they are for the homeowner. They require no fuel source like gas, instead using an electric heater that requires less power than you might think. Not only does this lower the amount of energy used, it allows for said energy to be used far more efficiently and not be wasted in even trace amounts.

In-Wall Builds

As part of our home remodeling services, we can easily build an electric fireplace into your wall. There are many models that come with a specific design allowing for this in-wall build, and we’ll happily direct you to the best option for your space needs and aesthetic taste.

Realistic Flames

There are several electric fireplace options out there, including a few different lighting systems that create different kinds of realistic flame appearance. There are some models with triple-lighting systems, and others that even incorporate 3D flame effects that many people will legitimately confuse with real flames.

In addition, many of our models contain uplighting and downlighting combinations. These allow for an amazing display that you can customize to your precise desires, whether you want a sparkling and bright fire or something a bit more subdued.

Lack of Emissions

As we noted in part one of this blog series, electric fireplaces do not require any venting. This is because they don’t create emissions, a valuable factor that many environmentally conscious homeowners are prioritizing in their fireplace choice.

Modern Options

In previous generations, some may have rightly considered early electric fireplace models to be a bit tacky. They were clearly cheap, with obvious fake flames that even a young child could spot without much trouble.

Today, though? This could not be further from the case. As we just noted above, modern technology allows for incredibly realistic flame designs, plus heating formats that mimic a real fireplace. Rather than appearing cheap or out-of-style, these models are growing in popularity and are extremely trendy in new homes today.

For more on electric fireplaces, or to learn about any of our home remodeling services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, our services in home remodeling are second to none. Whether you’re looking for bathroom, basement or kitchen remodeling services, our team of pros will help you assess all your options and needs, then combine these with your budget and other important factors to bring you the best possible remodeling upgrades at an affordable cost.

In some cases, homeowners feel they’ll be better off by hiring their own sub-contractors and performing most of this job on their own. And while we aren’t here to step on your toes if this is your goal, the reality is that these efforts are often misplaced – and could end up costing you far more, both in terms of money and overall hassle. Let’s go over why hiring reputable remodeling contractors like ours is often the way to go.

Saving Money

For starters, there’s a misconception that you can save a ton of money by planning your own project. You hire your own sub-contractors for certain areas, plus handle some of the specific project requirements on your own. Simple, right?

Unfortunately, it often isn’t. In fact, there are multiple distinct ways a professional contractor will benefit you in these situations:

• Budgeting: A professional planning contractor will generally have a much wider base of knowledge than someone who doesn’t do this for a living. This means they’ll be able to offer numerous budgetary tips, including several areas you may not have realized where you can save major amounts of money.
• Long-term issues: In addition, a contractor has a professional eye they can use to benefit you even further. They can spot issues you may never have noticed, helping you correct them as part of the remodel before they cost you a pretty penny in the long run.

Full Scope

As a homeowner, you likely came into this project with a clear idea of what you want your home to look like once the project is finished. But you may not have realized the full scope of work that will be required to achieve this – it’s common for homeowners to have a bit too narrow of a focus.

A good contractor, however, takes a broad approach. They’ll look out for any unforeseen obstacles you might run into, and help you prepare for them well in advance. If you try to simply hire your own sub-contractors and do the planning yourself, these sub-contractors – who specialize in certain areas – will not have this same broad view, and likely won’t catch the issues.

High-Quality Team

Finally, a great remodeling contractor will also have excellent connections to other sub-contractors. They’ll know which individuals do the best work in particular areas of need, plus any entities to avoid – information you often can’t get unless you work in the industry. In many cases, good contactors like ours will even have long-running partnerships with related sub-contractors, allowing you to get great deals on materials or labor.

For more on why it pays to hire professional remodeling contractors, or to learn about any of our home remodeling services, contact the team at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

Within any home remodeling project, two of the most important factors for the homeowner are time and budget. We all want our remodeling project to be done on schedule or even ahead of schedule, and no one wants to end up significantly over their planned budget at the end of the day.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, our home remodeling services, ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to basement finishing, outdoor kitchens and several other options, are designed to bring you satisfaction in both these areas. Strong home remodeling contractors like ours know all the proper crux points to hit when it comes to maintaining your schedule and budget. In addition, here are a few tips we can offer to you as the homeowner for keeping things in order.

Don’t Rush

While we completely understand that time is of the essence and you’ll always be looking for ways to get things done ahead of schedule, it’s important to do this within reason. This begins with the planning process: Allowing the proper time to go over design areas with your contractor and architect before getting started on any actual work is vital, setting the groundwork for a successful project moving forward.

And once you’ve gotten started, it’s important to remember that certain parts of this process will naturally move slowly – and these will be built into your plans. Understand that it’s extremely common for delays to take place during home remodeling projects, something our team will warn you about explicitly in advance. We’ll happily offer tips on how to schedule or plan for the project’s completion without getting ahead of yourself.

Zoning, Permits and Regulations

In many cases, the most expensive and time-consuming parts of a remodel relate to pulling permits, understanding zoning requirements and sticking to local regulations. This should all be completed before any major construction begins, and balancing these when you’re undertaking a larger project is very important.

Remodeling, Renovation and Space

While a home remodel offers you the ability to make significant changes to your space, there’s only so far you want to take this. If you get to a point where your remodel is becoming a full-on teardown of virtually the entire home, including changing major space considerations, you might honestly be better off looking into moving into a larger home instead.

Lines of Communication

Finally, one of our top priorities as remodeling professionals is keeping lines of dialogue open with you as a client – and this should be a two-way street. Let us know of any concerns or thoughts you have sooner rather than later, allowing us to adjust to your needs as efficiently as possible.

For more on how to ensure your home remodeling project gets done on time and within your budget, or to learn about any of our remodeling or new fireplace services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

While some people are primarily focused on increasing their home’s value through home remodeling, others simply desire certain new elements for their personal comfort or taste. Many choose to combine these factors during a home remodeling project as well.

At Uintah Fireplaces, we offer quality home remodeling services that include kitchen, bathroom, basement and other remodeling options – and we don’t discriminate based on your needs. Sometimes people just want what they want, and we’d never steer you away from the remodel of your dreams just because it won’t add major value to your home.

For those who do care most about increasing home value, however, there are a few home remodeling areas we might advise you to steer clear of. Here are a few prime examples, with some basic reasoning also included.

Home Offices

No matter where you choose to place it or how nicely you arrange the design, home offices are not known as remodeling projects that bring great return on investment (ROI). In fact, the opposite is often true: Home offices tend to hurt your resale value.

This is because buyers prefer their square footage for areas like bedrooms, kitchens and living spaces. A high percentage of buyers won’t have any need for a home office, and the space used for it will essentially be wasted on them.

Second Story Additions

Another expensive and generally low-ROI remodeling project is adding a second story to a one-story home. For one, adding this much square footage to any home will almost certain increase your property taxes. For another, the time and money it takes to perform such a major remodel will often come close to the home’s market value to begin with. This is one of those areas you should only consider if this is your forever home and you never plan to sell it.

Master Suite

Master suites may look and feel great, but they aren’t generally the best use of your money when ROI is the primary factor. You have to consider both the bedroom and bathroom space here, and many of the features that tend to come with modern master suites are unnecessary for many buyers – this will limit your pool if you do choose to place the home on the market in the near future.

Sunroom

Finally, many people love sunrooms because they add seasons to the home and can fill in for a deck or patio area if this isn’t realistic on your property. But many buyers don’t view a sunroom as a proper maximization of space, but rather as something they need to remodel or remove themselves. If you’re looking to go this route but want to maintain home value, consider a temporary arrangement.

For more on the kinds of remodeling projects to avoid if your top priority is ROI and home value, or to learn about any of our fireplace or home remodeling services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplaces today.

Within the world of home remodeling, there are many different reasons why homeowners might choose a specific remodeling project. Some are looking to upgrade older features, others are looking to raise home value in advance of a sale, and still others are reacting to changing home circumstances.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re proud to offer home remodeling services to those serving any specific purpose. From our basement finishing to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, we’ll help you achieve a beautiful new space for an affordable cost. One of the “changing circumstances” we referenced above that’s a common precursor to a home remodeling decision: Parents who are becoming “empty-nesters” as their children reach early adulthood and move out, whether to attend college or for some other purpose. If you’re in such a position, what are some of the unique home remodeling services you might consider? Let’s take a look at a few popular options for those in this situation.

Combining Bedrooms

In most cases, those with children in the home have utilized a house with several smaller bedroom spaces – this is needed so everyone has their own bedroom, of course. But once your children have left the nest, the possibilities for alternative uses of this space open up significantly.

One choice many make in this position is combining one of the smaller bedrooms with their own to create a more spacious master bedroom suite. Tearing down walls here is easier and cheaper than you might think, and may allow you the kind of space and ambiance you’ve been waiting on for years.

Tailoring Kitchens or Bathrooms

In homes where parents and kids shared bathrooms, or even more commonly where kitchen space is shared (this is the case in nearly all homes), new empty-nesters may want to change things up in a big way once the kids are moved out. Have you long desired a particular kitchen style, but couldn’t get away with it because you were afraid the kids would dirty it up and damage it? Now is the time to go for it. Personalize and upgrade to your heart’s content.

Improved Home Office

In spaces where a home office connects to either a guest room or one of your kids’ former rooms, you can consider a different kind of wall tear-down to improve your office space. Some who often host guests will even turn this into a combined office and bedroom space, one that serves as a guest suite during the holidays or other important times but allows you a quiet, peaceful office area when guests aren’t staying over.

For more on the kinds of remodeling projects often taken on by empty-nesters, or to learn about any of our fireplace services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

Recently in this space, we went over some of the home remodeling project types that we might recommend against if your primary goal is increasing home value and experiencing a strong return on investment (ROI). While homeowners are of course free to perform any home remodels or upgrades they prefer, those looking primarily at home value should generally avoid those areas.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of home remodeling services, from kitchen remodeling to bathrooms, outdoor areas and even basement finishing. In today’s blog, we’ll look at the opposing side of this coin: Here are several remodeling types that are known to provide high ROI and increase your home’s value if you’re thinking about selling in the near future.

Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is the foundation of many homes, and it’s also the area that tends to provide the best return on your investment when it comes to home value. Prospective buyers naturally gravitate toward kitchens first and foremost, and will place high value on recently upgraded spaces, modern accessories and similar elements.

In addition, many kitchen remodeling upgrades can be performed for extremely affordable costs. Adding a new faucet or light fixture to upgrade the aesthetics is not an expensive job, and neither is adding a new coat of paint or removing any previous imperfections.

Bathroom Remodel

The other room that tends to return the highest value in a remodel is the bathroom, particularly any master bathroom spaces in the home. Bathrooms are the practical center of the home for many people, so ensuring they have upgraded hardware, water-conserving elements and the kind of clean, shiny appearance everyone wants to see will go a long way. Not only do you get to experience the benefits of a new bathroom in the immediate term, you’re upping your ROI in a big way.

Front Entryway

If your home’s entryway is a bit outdated or wearing down, strongly consider remodeling it in simple ways like new paint, new door accessories or similar elements. Another great option here is a new finish, which doesn’t cost much but will present anyone who enters the home with an immediately positive first impression.

Room Additions

Finally, there are many ways you can consider adding to or expanding your current room selection. One great option is to take an unused room like a den or office, then use a wire and laminate closet system to turn this into a bedroom. Instead of listing three bedrooms on a potential sale sheet, now you can list four and see the related rise in home value.

For more on great home remodeling themes for increasing your ROI, or to learn about any of our fireplace products or remodeling services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

While most indoor home remodeling projects can generally be done at various times throughout the year, homeowners tend to prioritize certain areas in certain seasons. Whether due to convenience, preference or other factors, certain home remodels seem to take place more often in summer while others are more common during the cool season.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re proud to offer a wide range of home remodeling services throughout the year, from kitchen remodeling to bathrooms, basement finishing and several outdoor areas depending on your needs. As we’re currently in the dead of the Utah winter, let’s look at a few remodeling projects that are often good ideas during this cold season, including some that homeowners prioritize as we begin heading toward spring.

Painting or Wallpaper Upgrades

The winter is a period where we spend more time indoors than outdoors to begin with, so it’s often a great time for those stuck inside to think about new color schemes or upgraded wallpaper in certain home areas. This kind of project can range from minor areas, like a single wall of new paper or paint, up to a major undertaking like re-painting an entire area of the home.

Another area some choose during this period of the year is installing crown molding to finish edges or other wall and cabinet areas. These kinds of aesthetic upgrades are perfect for this time of year.

Lighting Needs

Winter is often a darker time of year, with shorter days and that awful Salt Lake Valley inversion, so many homeowners take this opportunity to lighten things up with some lighting upgrades. This doesn’t even have to be a full-on remodel in every case – you can start by simply picking up replacement bulbs and ensuring all your fixtures are properly lit.

If you so desire, this is also a great time of year for upgrading lighting fixtures, which may be on sale from certain providers. Consider eco-friendly solutions that may lower your energy bill, while you’re at it.

Kitchen Backsplash

If your kitchen has gotten a bit dull, particularly if you plan to host gatherings in the upcoming spring or summer where guests will be in the kitchen, consider spicing up your sink backsplash in the kitchen. New tile and grout can go a long way toward making this space more appealing.

Pre-Sale Areas

Finally, those familiar with the real estate world will know that spring and early summer are often the peak period of the year for home sales. If you’re prepping your property for a potential listing on the market when the weather warms up, there are numerous remodels you might consider, from upgrading appliances to major kitchen or bathroom remodeling themes that are known to come with a high ROI.

For more on the kinds of remodeling projects that are often ideal during winter, or to learn about any of our fireplace services, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

Even in today’s modern design world, many still think of fireplaces in relatively limited ways. This is often seen most in fireplace layouts – some homeowners seem to still be under the impression that fireplaces are limited to living rooms and similar central areas of the home.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re here to tell you that our wide selection of contemporary fireplace options is far too versatile to be limited in such ways. Modern fireplaces, from gas fireplace options to wood burning inserts, electric options and many others, are versatile products that will do well in various areas of the home, including several you may not have considered as fireplace locations in the past. Here are several alternative fireplace installation locations you might consider, plus some basic themes as you think about these.

Outdoor Areas

For starters, we offer numerous products that allow you to bring warming and other fireplace benefits to your outdoor area, whether a patio, deck or any other kind of setup you have. From barbecues to fire pits and several other convertible options, these allow you and your family or friends to enjoy the seasonal weather with some additional comfort.

Outdoor fire pits or fireplaces also serve as excellent central areas for gatherings if you’re a regular host. They also tend to increase the usage of the patio or deck area, including in colder months where these areas might otherwise go relatively unused.

Master Bathroom

You may think a bathroom fireplace is something only a rich person can afford, but you’re simply incorrect here. Modern fireplace upgrades allow you to experience this kind of luxury for a reasonable cost, bringing elegance and comfort into your space and also acting as an additional heat source for the bathroom.

On top of this, a well-designed and properly installed fireplace in your bathroom may add significant value to your home. If you’re considering selling in the near future, this is a strong upgrade to consider.

Kitchen

Kitchens are already hubs for activity in the home, so why not consider adding a fireplace to increase the function and comfort in the room? This is an especially valuable theme for larger kitchen spaces, including those where social gatherings are regularly held.

Foyer Area

Finally, nothing says “welcome home” quite like a foyer or entry area complete with a warm, crackling fireplace. These work in both larger foyer spaces and smaller entryways, brightening the space and also hitting guests with an immediate blast of warm air to welcome them inside during the cold winter season.

For more on alternative fireplace location installation themes to consider, or to learn about any of our new fireplace options, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.

There’s no place like home! If you are fortunate enough to live in beautiful Salt Lake City then Uintah Fireplaces can help you add that custom outdoor centerpiece that will give your space the warmth and ambiance it needs. That means more time enjoying those breathtaking Utah sunsets from your very own backyard with your family and friends.

Many of us get so consumed with home improvement projects that need to be done indoors, that we often neglect the deserved attention to our outdoor spaces. Talented designers at Uintah Fireplaces are here to help you get started and are ready to walk with you step-by-step from design, to installation, to maintenance.

Here are some helpful details to consider as you move forward with your backyard fireplace plans!

First Things First!

By now you probably have what seems like an endless list of ideas for your outdoor space. There are many directions you can take.

Do you want a fireplace or a fire pit? How big should it be? Where should it go?

It can be overwhelming to pursue such an investment.

Let our designers help with a free in-home consultation! You have the opportunity to work with capable professionals who are ready to answer questions and design with you, the perfect fixture to add ambiance and functionality to your backyard.

Function

An important aspect of design is function. Consider all the other attractions that you want to include with your illuminating centerpiece. Swimming pools, gardens, sport courts, play equipment… Perhaps just a wide open yard for your kids and pets to run free. All of these ideas are important considerations!

Families might consider a gas fire pit that can be accessed from all sides. It would be perfect for sitting around and indulging in late night s’more roasts during the Summer. Or maybe a gas fireplace with a television mounted above it is more your speed. Nothing like cheering on your favorite team from the comfort (and enjoyment) in your own backyard!

On another note, we should all be taking the time to relax and unwind regularly. And there’s no better place to do that than at home. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is perfect for quiet evenings to do just that.

Design Options

Whether you are in the market for a fireplace or a fire pit, experienced staff members can help you create stunning designs to fit your style and taste. Our designers can help you create something that fits your style! From modern to more traditional, or even rustic, the options available are worth exploring.

Uintah Fireplaces offer easy to maintain gas logs that will give you the look and warmth you have been searching for. Take the old memories and nostalgia of sitting around a flickering campfire, and bring them to life with the convenience and ease of a natural gas burning log. Consider utilizing these eco-friendly logs in your fire pit or fireplace design.

Investment and Maintenance

Not only do gas fireplaces and gas fire pits make economical sense in the long run, they allow for space to create and design exactly what fits your needs and taste for years to come.

Gas burning fireplaces don’t develop creosote (ash and debris build up), so the cleaning and service that would be required of you is much less frequent than maintaining a wood burning fireplace.

Capable technicians at Uintah Fireplaces are able to hook up fireplaces and fire pits to a gas line, saving you money on wood costs. Natural gas also burns cleaner than wood so that’s a win for your lungs, the environment, and ultimately, your pocketbook.

Grill Time!

Don’t forget one of the essential parts of any great backyard. It’s the outdoor appliance that cooks the mouth watering food, and the backyard toy that is the envy of every man in your neighborhood. That’s right, the grill.

Napoleon Grills are some of the highest rated gas grills on the market today. Attractive design, user friendly, and superb quality is just what someone should look for in a grill. Uintah Fireplaces is a carrier of these top of the line grills in the Salt Lake City area and we carry a wide selection of available grills, perfect to suit your style and needs.

Guaranteed to be another great investment for you and your family. Anytime is the right time to own a grill.

Let’s Get Going!

So many options await you! Get ready to create your very own outdoor oasis in Salt Lake City.

Uintah Fireplaces employ professional staff members that will confidently design and install your outdoor unit, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and service from beginning to end.

Contact Uintah Fireplaces today for your free in-home design consultation!