Finding new and interesting ways to add value to your property can be challenging. When it comes to keeping cosy and warm this winter and adding a unique selling point for potential future buyers, fireplaces and hot tubs are an ‘everybody wins’ situation.
There are of course logistical issues like where to put them and safety considerations around they’re positioning and operation but if these can be easily solved, either (or both) are great options that improve your lifestyle and also increase the property’s appeal and value to buyers.
Fireplaces
There are a range of great options on the market now for fireplaces, across a good selection of price points. You should first get a good sense of how much space you have for a fireplace and where it might go.
Once you have the dimensions of it and its potential location identified, you can start to do some research around whether an electric, gas, wood burning, or pellet burning fireplace will best suit your needs.
Gas and electric are lower maintenance and cleaner as they don’t create ash or smoke, but less evocative. Nothing beats the ambience of a crackling wood fire, but they can be messy and sourcing wood for a whole winter can get quite expensive. Pellet fires have a better reputation environmentally speaking but the fuel may be more difficult to come by.
It’s also worth considering how the heat distribution may work in your home and which solution will provide you with the best heating overall? It’s a large investment to make in warm toes and a few cosy nights if it will only fit in the coldest room in the house, that you’re rarely in.
Depending on the type of fireplace and home, the walls around it can get extremely hot, so positioning it against the wall of a living space that shares walls with bedrooms will provide additional heat to extra rooms as well. Each country has its own government regulated standards when it comes to installation, chimney regulations and clearance around the fire so check those relevant to your area before you start shopping!
Hot tubs
The relaxation and wellness that comes through hydrotherapy is no longer considered a luxury item unique to health retreats and luxury resorts. As with a fireplace, the positioning of a hot tub should be your first consideration.
There are lots of different styles and models available – in ground, above ground, free-standing and built-in. The style you choose may or may not determine the value it will add to your property.
A free-standing hot tub may not be considered a value-add as it can be removed, whereas a hot tub that is built-in and landscaped around offers a more permanent, value-based solution. In every case however there must be good accessibility to the hot tub, access to a power source and pool friendly landscaping surrounding it.
Many come with a lid which may address water safety legislation, but you should check the requirements in your area before purchasing and factor this into your decision.
There are some really beautiful innovations in hot tub design now including contemporary aluminium styles and traditional style cedar clad shells. Take a look at New Zealand’s ‘Stoked Stainless’ hot tubs, if you’re looking for a stylish alternative to modern spa baths. We’re enamoured this month with their classic looks and quality touches. See more at www.stokedstainless.com
by Maarten Gravendyk
Sales & Marketing Specialist | 0438 358 116
Do Luxuries Like Fireplaces and Hot Tubs Add Value?
palmbeachfn.com.au July 2022
First National Property Solutions
Ph: 07 5522 3100
