Nothing makes a house into a home more than the sounds and smells of a crackling wood fire on a cold winter night. The flicker of the flames adds an aura of romance to any room. Is building fireplace a sound investment for your home?

The National Board of Realtors recently supported a study that found that adding a fireplace increase the value of a home as much as 12%. A whopping 60% of all new single home construction includes at least one fireplace. Fireplaces are definitely on the “want” list of home shoppers.

As with all home remodel projects, taking the time to plan and learn about options is important when building fireplace. Think about what is most important to you in a fireplace, the look, the size, efficiency and economy, or heat output? Carefully research your community’s building and environmental regulations as well as the location factors within your home.

The most common choice is still the traditional wood burning fireplace, but if economy is important to you this may not be your best selection. About 90 percent of the heat generated in these hearths goes right up the chimney. It is possible to revamp this type of fireplace with a factory built insert that recirculates the air and has glass doors. Vents draw in the cold air, warm it up and then push it back out into the room.

Gas fireplaces are another popular option and don’t require the manual labor and clean up that a wood burning fireplace does. Many come with switches or even remote controls to turn them off and on. These hearths also can be put in almost any room in the house as long as they are directly vented.

Finally, when deciding about building fireplace, do not forget the mantel. A huge variety of options exist to express your personal style. Do a little bit of online research and you will be sure to find the fireplace and mantel that makes your house a home.