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Many people love the idea of relaxing in front of a fireplace on a cold winter night. The sight, smell and sound of a fire can create a relaxing ambience. While the idea of having a home with a fireplace may be appealing, the reality does not always live up to peoples expectations. The amount of heat given off, the amount of work required and the cost depends on the type of fireplace.

Wood Fireplace
A wood fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere. If the power goes out, a wood fireplace can continue to heat your home. It can also provide light and a way to cook during a power outage.

Since most of the heat produced by burning wood escapes through the chimney, a wood fireplace is not very energy efficient. A fireplace insert can increase the amount of heat that stays in the house. If the damper doesnt close enough, the house may have drafts, which can result in high utility bills.

Embers from a fire can spread and cause nearby objects to catch fire. Curious children and pets can be seriously injured if they get too close. If you buy a house with a wood fireplace, you will need to stay close by to prevent accidents.

Smoke from a wood fireplace can release pollutants into the atmosphere. A fireplace can also release carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases inside the house.

Because of the risks and the amount of work involved, many people who buy a house with a wood fireplace only use it occasionally. The costs of cleaning, maintenance and wood may not make owning a house with a wood fireplace cost effective.

Gas Fireplace
With a gas fireplace, you can simply press a button and instantly enjoy a cozy fire. If the house has more than one gas fireplace, you can heat only the room where you are, rather than the entire house, to save money. The fireplace can provide heat even if you lose power.

A gas fireplace wont produce the aroma and crackling sounds of a wood fire. On the other hand, gas fireplaces are easier to maintain than wood-burning ones. There is no ash or soot to clean, but the fireplace should still be inspected every year.

Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace can provide heat and light and can be used even in a small space. It can be expensive to use, however, and it wont work during a power outage. An electric fireplace also does not look realistic.

Should You Buy a House With a Fireplace?
Many people search for a new home with a fireplace, then find that they dont use it as much as they thought they would and realize that they spent a lot more than they expected to maintain it. If youre thinking about buying a house with a fireplace, be realistic about how much you would use it and consider the costs and safety issues to decide whether it would be worth it.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are the most exclusive home features that high-end homebuyers are looking for in the city.

Doorman

It will put you at ease to know your building has an extra layer of security and convenience.

Private Parking

A designated parking space, especially in a garage, is an absolute must-have.

Outdoor Living

Whether its a terrace overlooking the cityscape, an enclosed courtyard or a simple balcony, an open-air area is priceless.

Skyline Views

Day or night, nothing beats the dazzling views of a city skyline.

Private Elevator

Providing convenience and security, you can monitor the elevator with video surveillance before bringing guests up to your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Finding the perfect piece of furniture for your needs, especially an option that wont break the bank, can be a daunting task. The perfect furniture to fit your style and budget may just require a little hard work and some ingenuity. These furniture items can be easily DIYd, even by novice crafters.

Wall Shelves
With the industrial and shabby chic trends both at their peak, creating an eye-catching wall shelf is easier than ever before. Rope shelves can be made by simply painting or staining a length of wood and suspending it with eye hooks from a length of rope on each side. Alternatively, mounting the wood on top of galvanized pipes in the place of traditional L brackets can create a sleek and fun take on a traditional wall shelf.

Coffee Tables
Creating a coffee table you love can be as simple or as complex as your skills and imagination can handle. While you can certainly find a plethora of creative and beautiful coffee tables in stores, theres something special about having a DIYd piece on display in such a prominent location of your home. Keeping your coffee table uniquely you may also mean simply recoating your existing option with newly patterned wood, a fun fabric or paint and resin for a faux marble look.

Dining Room Tables
Dining room tables need to be structurally sound enough to withstand an elbows on the table kind of eater. If you dont have the skills to start from scratch, upgrade a flea market find. Cover an outdated table with reclaimed wood strips, wood stain, and a smooth layer of resin to create a beautiful new dining experience for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought piece.

Headboards
Headboards are an ideal candidate for a DIY treatment. This traditionally expensive item needs no carpentry skills. A simple wood panel, upholstery fabric and buttons can achieve the same effect as a costly tufted headboard. Old pallets can be combined to create a farmhouse look. For kids rooms, the sky is the limit. Consider letting them paint a headboard directly on the wall or use washi tape for the same visual impact.

When it comes to fostering a unique space that reflects your personal style, nothing will achieve your goal more than a DIY.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Credit cards are helpful and convenient.

Unless you use them wisely, though, you could find yourself in financial trouble.

Charge responsibly by using a credit card only for items you need, rather than want, and for emergency situations.

Dont max out cards, or risk jeopardizing your credit score and future loans.

Try paying your full balance every month to avoid wasteful interest charges.

Always pay credit card bills on time. Missed payments could hurt your credit score for several years.

Take advantage of cards that offer rewards like frequent-flyer miles and hotel points. But dont spend more just to earn perks.

Ultimately, smart charging will help you avoid financial missteps.

Published with permission from RISMedia.