Custom Fireplaces Vs. Standard Models: Pros And Cons For Business Owners

A fireplace is more than heat — for hotels, restaurants, showrooms and office lobbies it’s a statement. Choosing between a custom fireplace that perfectly matches your brand and a standard model that’s cheaper and quicker to install is a decision that affects aesthetics, budgets, timelines and long‑term operating costs. Get it right, and the fireplace becomes a powerful customer magnet; get it wrong, and it can drain resources and complicate compliance and maintenance.

In this article we break down the real pros and cons business owners should weigh: cost and lead times, design flexibility, installation and permitting, energy efficiency, warranty and service, and how each option affects resale or rebranding. You’ll find practical examples, a simple decision checklist, and questions to ask suppliers so you can choose the solution that supports your brand and your bottom line.

Read on to discover which path — custom or standard — makes the most sense for your business, and how to avoid common pitfalls that turn a beautiful feature into a costly headache.

Why fireplaces matter for business image, comfort, and revenue

Fireplaces are more than a functional heating element — they are a sensory focal point that affects how customers, employees, and partners perceive a business. For owners deciding between custom fireplaces and standard models, the choice has real implications for brand image, occupant comfort, and the bottom line. Custom Fireplaces, in particular, can be a strategic investment that elevates aesthetics, extends dwell time, and creates measurable revenue opportunities when implemented thoughtfully.

Brand image and differentiation

A fireplace often becomes the architectural anchor of a space. Custom Fireplaces allow business owners to tailor scale, materials, and finishing details to match a brand story — whether that’s a rustic lodge vibe for a boutique hotel, an ultra-modern linear gas unit for a high-end showroom, or an artisan stone hearth in a destination restaurant. Unlike off-the-shelf models, custom solutions let you integrate logos, unique mantels, integrated shelving, bespoke surrounds, and engineered viewing angles that tie directly into interior design and marketing photography. This visual uniqueness is valuable: spaces that feel curated are perceived as higher quality, justify premium pricing, and are more likely to be shared on social media, amplifying marketing reach without recurring ad spend.

Comfort and the customer experience

Comfort is central to hospitality and retail success. Fireplaces contribute both physical warmth and psychological comfort — the glow, crackle, and sight-lines create a sense of coziness and invite guests to linger. Custom Fireplaces can be sized and positioned to optimize comfort in key areas: lobby seating clusters, outdoor patios, private dining nooks, or reception desks. They can be configured with adjustable heat settings and zoned controls to avoid overheating or uneven temperatures, and can be integrated with the building’s HVAC system to maintain efficiency. In hospitality, longer dwell times often translate to higher food and drink spend; in retail, relaxed customers convert at higher rates. For businesses where customer interactions are long or emotionally driven (spas, luxury stores, cafes), tailoring the fireplace experience with custom controls, glass choices, and acoustic design can significantly enhance satisfaction and loyalty.

Revenue impacts and ROI

Investing in a Custom Fireplace is often justified by direct and indirect revenue gains. Directly, venues advertised as “fireplace dining” or “poolside fire pits” can charge premium rates, host private events, and increase reservation desirability during colder months. Indirectly, a standout fireplace drives foot traffic, social media exposure, and repeat visits. Case examples include boutique hotels reporting higher average daily rates for rooms with fireplace views, and restaurants filling more weekend slots by marketing cozy seasonal experiences. When calculating ROI, consider increased average spend per guest, higher occupancy or table turnover, event bookings, and enhanced merchandising opportunities near the fireplace focal point.

Operational considerations and lifecycle costs

Custom Fireplaces deliver branding and comfort advantages but come with specific operational demands. Custom builds may require more complex permits, specialized venting or gas line work, and professional maintenance agreements. Fuel type matters: gas and electric units offer easier control and cleaner operation than wood-burning options, which historically carry higher cleaning and safety requirements. Energy efficiency should be evaluated — a poorly configured fireplace can create heat loss or interfere with HVAC zoning, raising utility bills. Custom designs can incorporate high-efficiency inserts, tempered glass, and smart thermostatic controls to minimize operational costs and ensure consistent comfort.

Safety, compliance, and design flexibility

Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Custom Fireplaces must meet local building codes, fire safety standards, and accessibility requirements. The advantage of custom work is that it can be engineered from the ground up to satisfy these constraints while still achieving a distinctive look. Custom solutions allow for integrating safety features such as protective screens, child-safe barriers, and automated shut-offs, which are crucial in family-oriented businesses. They also offer flexibility for unique spaces — curved walls, multi-story atriums, or outdoor terraces — where standard units would be impractical or visually jarring.

Choosing the right approach

For business owners, the decision between custom and standard models should be strategic. Choose Custom Fireplaces when brand differentiation, guest experience, and long-term revenue uplift justify higher upfront costs and when the space calls for a unique architectural statement. Standard models suit operations that need quick installation, consistent replication across multiple sites, and constrained budgets. Wherever you land, factor in design intent, target clientele, maintenance capabilities, energy implications, and local code requirements to ensure that the fireplace becomes an asset rather than a liability.

Head-to-head comparison: custom fireplaces versus standard models

When business owners weigh the decision between custom fireplaces and standard models, they’re choosing more than a heating appliance — they’re weighing brand identity, operational costs, installation complexity, and long-term liability. Below is a practical, business-focused head-to-head comparison that evaluates the most relevant dimensions for commercial decision-making.

Design and branding

- Custom Fireplaces: The biggest advantage is differentiation. Custom Fireplaces allow you to match materials, finishes, and scale to your brand story — an artisan stone hearth in a boutique hotel, a sleek linear gas unit integrated into a high-end retail wall, or a replicated historic mantel in a renovated heritage building. This tailoring supports marketing, guest experience, and social-media-friendly interiors that can increase foot traffic and perceived value.

- Standard Models: Off-the-shelf units come in predictable designs and sizes that work for generic needs. They’re quick to spec and replace, but they won’t create a signature look. For multi-site businesses that need visual consistency, standard models simplify rollout and ensure that every location presents the same aesthetic.

Cost and budgeting

- Custom Fireplaces: Upfront costs are typically higher due to bespoke materials, design labor, engineering, and potential structural modifications. Expect additional spend for site surveys, mockups, and potentially higher installation labor rates. However, custom options can be budgeted as capital improvements and depreciated over time — consult an accountant for tax treatment.

- Standard Models: Cost-effective and easier to forecast. Manufacturers publish price ranges and accessory options, allowing straightforward budgeting and bulk purchasing discounts for chains. For businesses needing to control capital outflow, standard units minimize cost surprises.

Lead time and procurement

- Custom Fireplaces: Longer lead times are common — from design approvals to fabrication and specialized installation. This can affect project schedules, especially in renovations with fixed opening dates. Procurement will often require one-off contracts, design revisions, and site-specific engineering sign-offs.

- Standard Models: Fast procurement, often available through multiple distributors. Replacement parts and technical documentation are widely available, reducing downtime risk for operational locations.

Installation complexity and permits

- Custom Fireplaces: Unique designs frequently trigger additional permitting, ventilation changes, or structural reinforcements. They may require collaboration between architects, mechanical engineers, and specialist contractors. This complexity increases project management burden but allows creative placement and integration.

- Standard Models: Simpler installations and more predictable permitting paths. Standard clearances and instructions reduce the chance of unexpected modifications, enabling smoother coordination with general contractors.

Energy efficiency and ongoing operating costs

- Custom Fireplaces: Can be optimized for efficiency (e.g., custom-lined ducts, high-efficiency burners, or electric integrated systems), but bespoke choices may also prioritize form over function, raising operating costs. Custom units can incorporate renewable options such as electric or bioethanol models that align with ESG strategies.

- Standard Models: Many standard lines now offer high-efficiency variants with certified ratings. Standardization simplifies energy modeling across multiple sites and makes it easier to compare operating costs.

Maintenance, warranties, and serviceability

- Custom Fireplaces: Customization can complicate maintenance — replacement parts may be unique and require custom fabrication. Warranties might be limited to the fabrication company rather than backed by larger manufacturers, and after-sales service may be less accessible depending on supplier size.

- Standard Models: Manufacturers and large distributors provide established service networks, known parts availability, and standardized maintenance contracts. This reduces operational risk for business owners who need minimal downtime.

Compliance, safety, and insurance

- Custom Fireplaces: Novel designs must meet local building codes and insurance requirements; testing and third-party certifications might be necessary. Insurance underwriters may scrutinize custom units more closely, affecting premiums.

- Standard Models: Generally certified and tested, making code compliance and insurance underwriting more straightforward.

Scalability and multi-site rollout

- Custom Fireplaces: Not ideal for large-scale rollouts where uniformity and cost control are priorities. Each location may require site-specific adaptation, increasing complexity.

- Standard Models: Highly scalable — ideal for franchises, hotel chains, and retail chains where consistency and efficiency of implementation are crucial.

Sustainability and public perception

- Custom Fireplaces: Offer opportunities to use reclaimed materials, local artists, or low-emission technologies that strengthen sustainability narratives. However, custom choices must be verified for lifecycle impacts.

- Standard Models: Easier to verify certifications and emissions ratings at scale but may lack the storytelling potential of a bespoke installation.

Decision framework for business owners

Consider these questions to choose between Custom Fireplaces and standard models: Is the fireplace a focal point of customer experience or primarily functional? Are you doing a single flagship location or a multi-site rollout? What is your tolerance for longer lead times and higher capital investment? How important is predictable maintenance and quick replacement? Are sustainability credentials and unique branding a competitive advantage in your market?

For flagship hospitality venues, experiential retail, or high-end property developments where differentiation drives revenue, Custom Fireplaces often justify the extra investment. For chains, offices, and projects where cost control, repeatability, and serviceability are top priorities, standard models usually deliver better operational outcomes. Whatever path you choose, involve facilities managers, a fire-safety specialist, and procurement early to align design aspirations with practical constraints.

Upfront costs, installation challenges, and long-term maintenance considerations

When business owners weigh the choice between Custom Fireplaces and standard models, upfront costs, installation challenges, and long-term maintenance considerations are often the deciding factors. The initial capital outlay and the complexity of installation can differ drastically between a bespoke fireplace designed to match a brand’s aesthetic and a pre-manufactured standard unit. Understanding the full lifecycle costs and practical implications before committing helps avoid surprises and protects both budget and reputation.

Upfront costs

- Design and planning: Custom Fireplaces demand designer time, engineering input, and often 3D modeling or mock-ups. Fees for design and architectural review can add substantially to the initial quote, particularly if the fireplace becomes an integral design feature in a public space, restaurant, hotel lobby, or retail environment.

- Materials and components: Bespoke units frequently use higher-end, non-standard materials—custom stone, exotic veneers, specialized firebrick, or fabricated metalwork—that significantly raise materials costs versus off-the-shelf, mass-produced units. Custom glasswork, mantels, and integrated shelving or display features tend to be pricier as well.

- Labor and fabrication: Skilled labor for custom builds is more expensive. Fabrication may require specialist metalworking, masonry, or millwork, and longer lead times. Installation labor for a custom unit typically takes more hours than installing a standard fireplace insert or factory-built model.

- Permitting and compliance: For commercial properties, permitting costs and fees to satisfy local building and fire codes are often higher for custom installations, especially where structural modifications or smoke control systems are required.

- Typical cost context: While standard gas or electric fireplaces for a business can range modestly depending on size and features, Custom Fireplaces often start several times higher—and can climb into the tens of thousands when factoring full design, structural work, and finishes.

Installation challenges

- Structural integration: Custom Fireplaces may require reinforcing floors, modifying load-bearing walls, or adding foundations for large hearths. Coordination with structural engineers and general contractors is usually necessary to ensure safety and code compliance.

- Venting and smoke management: Integrating vents, chimneys, or direct-vent systems in existing commercial HVAC and smoke control schemes is complex. Multi-tenant buildings or spaces with centralized ventilation systems require special permits and smoke modeling to demonstrate safe egress and air quality.

- Access and disruption: Installation can require long lead times and phased work that disrupts normal business operations. Business owners need to plan for closures, restricted access, or off-hours work, all of which add logistic and labor costs.

- Coordination with other trades: Electrical, plumbing (for gas lines), masonry, carpentry, and sometimes sprinkler or suppression systems must be coordinated. Custom builds increase the number of interfaces and potential for delays.

- Code and life-safety compliance: Local fire codes, ADA considerations, and insurance requirements can impose constraints on design and placement. Custom designs must be validated against these constraints, and documentation is often required for occupancy permits.

- Risk of change orders: Because custom projects evolve in the design phase, change orders are common and can escalate cost and timeline. Standard models have predictable scope and shorter, more reliable timelines.

Long-term maintenance considerations

- Routine service and inspections: Like standard fireplaces, Custom Fireplaces require regular inspections, chimney and flue cleaning (for vented units), and fuel-system checks. However, custom configurations may need specialized maintenance procedures and certified technicians, increasing ongoing costs.

- Spare parts and repairability: Custom components—unique burners, bespoke glass, or non-standard controls—may be harder to replace and more expensive when they fail. Standard models benefit from widely available parts and multiple service providers.

- Wear, weathering, and finishes: High-touch public environments accelerate wear to mantels, stonework, and finishes. Proprietary finishes on a custom unit may require specialist restoration or replacement to maintain the intended aesthetic.

- Technology and controls: Custom fireplaces often incorporate advanced controls, smart-home integrations, or remote monitoring. While these features enhance the customer experience, they introduce electronics that need periodic updates, calibration, and potential software maintenance.

- Insurance and liability: Custom installations can affect insurance premiums and liability considerations. If the fireplace is a focal point that draws crowds, owners must ensure that maintenance schedules and safety inspections are rigorously documented to limit exposure.

- Lifecycle and replacement planning: When evaluating Custom Fireplaces, build a 10–15 year maintenance and replacement plan. Factor in escalating service costs, possible obsolescence of proprietary components, and the resale value or amortization of the installation as a leasehold improvement.

- Service contracts: For business owners, annual or bi-annual service contracts with a certified provider are advisable for both standard and custom units. For custom installations, negotiate clear terms for response times, parts pricing, and labor to reduce operational downtime.

Practical tips for business owners

- Get multiple bids that break down design, materials, labor, permitting, and maintenance separately.

- Insist on commercial-grade components and certified installers, particularly for fuel systems and ventilation.

- Negotiate warranty coverage that includes both workmanship and parts for a meaningful period, and clarify who is responsible for future software updates if digital controls are used.

- Plan installation during slower business periods, and build a contingency budget for change orders and unexpected structural work.

- Factor maintenance into operational budgets and consider long-term service agreements to manage lifecycle costs predictably.

Custom Fireplaces can deliver a powerful experiential advantage for businesses, but the higher upfront investment and more complicated install and service profiles require careful planning. Making the right choice hinges on balancing aesthetic and brand goals against practical costs, compliance, and the realities of maintaining a safe, reliable feature in a commercial setting.

Weighing the pros and cons of custom builds: design flexibility, branding, and ROI

When business owners evaluate whether to offer custom fireplaces versus standard models, the deciding factors often come down to three interconnected considerations: design flexibility, branding potential, and return on investment (ROI). Custom Fireplaces can be a powerful differentiator in competitive markets, but they also introduce complexity, cost, and operational challenges that affect profitability and long-term scalability. Below is a detailed look at the advantages and trade-offs associated with custom builds from these three angles, plus practical guidance for owners weighing the decision.

Design flexibility: differentiating through tailored solutions

Pros

- Unique customer offerings: Custom Fireplaces allow businesses to meet specific client needs—size constraints, architectural styles, material preferences, and technological integrations (e.g., smart controls, bespoke venting). This flexibility can win projects that a one-size-fits-all model cannot.

- Premium aesthetics: Custom builds enable finishes and forms that reinforce high-end interior design, which is especially important for luxury residential, boutique hospitality, and premium commercial spaces.

- Innovation and product development: Offering custom work helps businesses experiment with new materials, technologies, and configurations that can later inform broader product lines.

Cons

- Design development costs: Time and resources spent on consultation, engineering drawings, prototyping, and approvals raise the per-project cost compared to selling off-the-shelf units.

- Longer lead times: Bespoke elements extend manufacturing and installation timelines, which can slow cash flow and complicate project scheduling.

- Quality control challenges: Custom work increases the chance of unforeseen fitment issues or rework, requiring skilled craftsmen and additional oversight.

Branding: using custom work to build reputation and market position

Pros

- Brand differentiation: Promoting Custom Fireplaces positions a company as a solutions provider rather than a commodity seller. This helps attract design-conscious clients, architects, and developers.

- Storytelling opportunities: Each custom installation can become a case study, generating content for marketing, social media, and trade publications that elevates perceived value.

- Stronger client relationships: Bespoke projects often involve closer collaboration, which fosters loyalty and repeat business, and increases referrals.

Cons

- Inconsistent brand experience: If not managed carefully, custom projects can produce varying quality or longer client pain points, potentially harming reputation.

- Resource-intensive marketing: Showcasing custom work requires higher investment in photography, virtual staging, and client management to capture the value of bespoke solutions.

- Positioning trade-offs: Emphasizing custom work can alienate volume-oriented clients who seek lower price and faster delivery, so brand messaging must be intentionally targeted.

ROI: measuring profitability and long-term financial impact

Pros

- Higher margins per project: Custom Fireplaces can command premium pricing. Customers are often willing to pay a significant markup for unique designs, exclusivity, and expert craftsmanship.

- Upsell opportunities: Custom projects often lead to additional sales—mantels, hearth treatments, installation services, maintenance plans, or related interior products.

- Competitive bidding advantage: For projects that prioritize design, being able to offer custom solutions can secure contracts that standard suppliers lose.

Cons

- Elevated upfront costs: Custom builds increase costs for materials, skilled labor, design fees, and sometimes small-batch fabrication—eroding margins if not priced correctly.

- Cash flow and financing: Extended lead times and milestone-based payments require robust cash flow management. Deposits and staged invoicing must be structured to cover costs without overexposing capital.

- Scalability limits: If a business models its revenues on custom work without systems to streamline repeatability, growth will be constrained by labor and production capacity.

Practical considerations and risk mitigation

- Standardize where possible: Develop a modular approach—customizable modules and predefined finish options minimize unique engineering while preserving design flexibility. This reduces cost and lead time while keeping bespoke appeal.

- Build a clear pricing model: Include a design fee, staged deposits, and transparent change-order policies. Calculate break-even points for labor and materials and price to achieve a target margin that covers warranty and aftercare.

- Invest in documentation and QA: Detailed drawings, installation guides, and a rigorous quality-assurance process reduce rework. Use digital tools (CAD, 3D renders) to set client expectations before fabrication.

- Align staffing and supply chain: Ensure you have access to skilled installers and reliable suppliers for niche materials. If outsourcing fabrication, vet partners for lead-time consistency and quality.

- Target the right customers: Custom Fireplaces are most profitable in markets where buyers value differentiation—luxury homes, interior designers, high-end hospitality, and flagship retail environments. For volume retrofit work or budget-driven projects, standard models may be better.

Illustrative ROI example (simplified)

- Standard model sale price: $6,000; cost (materials + labor): $4,200; gross profit: $1,800.

- Custom build sale price: $10,000; additional cost: $2,500 (design, special materials, extra labor); total cost: $6,700; gross profit: $3,300.

The custom project yields a higher gross profit and a larger margin percentage, but it also ties up more working capital and takes longer to deliver. Business owners should factor in utilization rates, typical project cadence, and overhead absorption to decide if the higher margin compensates for the operational burden.

Deciding whether to emphasize Custom Fireplaces or standard models comes down to strategic fit. If your business seeks to command premium pricing, build a differentiated brand, and has the operational capacity to manage bespoke projects, custom builds can be a strong growth lever. If your strengths lie in high-volume sales, predictable margins, and faster turnarounds, standard models reduce complexity and support scale. Combining both—offering a curated line of customizable modules and a few fully bespoke flagship options—often delivers the best balance of design flexibility, branding impact, and ROI.

When standard models make sense: reliability, speed, and budget-friendly options

For many business owners, the decision between Custom Fireplaces and standard, off-the-shelf units comes down to practical priorities: reliability, installation speed, and overall cost. Standard models have matured into well-engineered, code-compliant products that often provide the best fit for commercial environments where predictable performance and consistent costs matter more than bespoke aesthetics. Below are the key reasons and real-world situations where standard fireplaces make the most sense.

Reliability and proven performance

Standard models are manufactured in volume and tested across multiple installations and use-cases. This scale gives them several advantages:

- Established track record: Manufacturers publish performance specs, safety certifications (UL, CE, CSA, etc.), and third-party test results that make it easier to compare options and assess long-term reliability. For a hotel chain or restaurant group, that predictability reduces operational risk.

- Consistent parts and servicing: Replacement parts for standard models are commonly stocked, and many HVAC/fireplace technicians are already trained on popular models. That translates into faster repairs and lower downtime — crucial in high-traffic commercial spaces where a non-working fireplace can affect ambiance and guest satisfaction.

- Warranty and support: Standard units typically come with clear warranty terms and established customer support channels. For business owners managing multiple properties, consistent warranty coverage simplifies maintenance budgeting.

Speed: lead times and predictable project schedules

One of the biggest constraints on commercial renovations is timing. Standard fireplaces shine when deadlines are tight:

- Short lead times: Off-the-shelf models are usually available from distributors or local dealers, and some come with next-week or next-month delivery options. Custom Fireplaces, by contrast, can require weeks to months for design, fabrication, and approval.

- Faster permitting and inspections: Inspectors are often familiar with standard models and their venting/electrical requirements, which reduces questions and delays. A well-documented standard unit can pass through municipal permitting faster than a novel custom design that requires extra scrutiny.

- Simpler installation: Standard units are designed for repeatable installation processes and come with standardized clearances and connectors. This reduces labor hours and minimizes surprises on-site.

Budget-friendly options and predictable costs

Cost control is critical for business owners. Standard fireplaces are generally more budget-friendly when you consider the full lifecycle:

- Lower upfront cost: Mass-produced units benefit from economies of scale. The base price for a standard gas or electric fireplace is almost always lower than a comparable custom build.

- Reduced design and engineering fees: Custom Fireplaces incur additional design, engineering, and coordination costs. Standard units avoid those line items, keeping design budgets lean.

- Standardized accessories: Surrounds, mantels, and trim packages for standard units are made in modular sizes and price tiers, allowing owners to choose an aesthetic upgrade without the premium of bespoke materials.

- Predictable maintenance expenses: With widespread technician familiarity and readily available parts, long-term service costs are easier to forecast.

When standard models are the right choice for business owners

Consider standard models first in these situations:

- Chain properties and franchise locations that need a unified look and a standardized maintenance program.

- Hospitality spaces (boutique hotels, restaurants, bars) where downtime directly impacts revenue and fast service is essential.

- Retail environments and office lobbies that prioritize a consistent, safe visual element and require quick installation to meet openings.

- Multi-unit residential or mixed-use buildings where building managers favor units with known performance and service networks.

Limitations to keep in mind

While standard models offer many pragmatic benefits, they aren’t a universal solution. A business focused on unique brand identity or a flagship property where the fireplace is a central design statement may still prefer Custom Fireplaces. Custom units provide absolute flexibility in size, materials, finish, and bespoke functionality (e.g., integrated media, non-standard venting, artistic facades). However, those advantages come with higher costs, longer timelines, and potentially more complex permitting and maintenance.

A pragmatic decision checklist for business owners

- Is speed to market critical? If yes, favor standard models.

- Are standardized maintenance and rapid parts replacement important? If so, standard units win.

- Is cost control a priority across multiple locations? Choose standard units for better budgets and predictable lifecycle costs.

- Is the fireplace a core element of brand identity or a flagship design? If yes, explore Custom Fireplaces and weigh the tradeoffs.

- Does the local authority having jurisdiction frequently question novel installations? Standard models often face fewer permitting hurdles.

In many commercial scenarios, the combination of reliability, fast delivery, and lower total cost of ownership make standard fireplaces the sensible choice. They allow business owners to deliver attractive, code-compliant warmth and ambiance without the unpredictability and higher expense of a fully customized solution. Still, every project has unique needs, and understanding the operational priorities—maintenance, timeline, budget, and brand—will point you to the right balance between standard models and Custom Fireplaces.

Conclusion

Choosing between custom fireplaces and standard models ultimately comes down to what matters most for your business—brand differentiation, upfront cost, timeline and long-term return. From a cost and ROI perspective, standard models win on predictability and speed-to-install, while custom designs can command higher margins and create a memorable customer experience that reinforces your brand. In terms of operations, off-the-shelf units simplify permitting, maintenance and parts replacement, whereas custom builds often require more coordination with contractors and a clearer plan for ongoing service. Safety and compliance are non-negotiable: make sure whichever route you choose meets local codes and insurance requirements. Finally, think about scalability and resale — standard fireplaces scale and swap out more easily, while custom pieces are investments in ambiance that can set you apart but may not suit every location. Weigh your priorities, run the numbers on lifecycle costs versus perceived value, and consult experienced installers and a designer; done right, the fireplace you choose should warm both your customers and your bottom line.