Many homes in the Connecticut market area have at least one fireplace, typically for aesthetic purposes more so than supplementing heat during the colder months.
In an appraisal, fireplaces do usually add some value as long as they are well-maintained, functional and aesthetically appealing.
If a fireplace is not functional then it most likely will have little or no value in the appraisal. It may even negatively impact the home’s value, as it could be a maintenance issue instead of an amenity.
When comparing wood-burning fireplaces to gas fireplaces to pellet stoves, there are differences to consider. Any of these as functional amenities can add value to a home, but it varies depending on local market demand, convenience factor, and climate. A wood burning fireplace adds ambiance but requires regular chimney sweeping and maintenance; a gas stove is usually lower-maintenance and offers instant heat, but can be costly to install; a pellet stove is considered more environmentally conscious, but will not operate during a power outage and usually has a high maintenance requirement.