• Yes, but I don't live in Florida and don't think that a fireplace would even be an option there. Perhaps you could ask a realtor who works the area you live in.

You're in FL. It won't affect resale at all. I would take it out completely so you can get a good layout for your furniture. Instead of a useless fireplace, I'd create a built in along the whole wall making it the feature.

As for real vs electric? I wouldn't bother with electric. They look fake, even the best ones.

I also live in a warm climate and never use my large corner fireplace because of the pollution it causes, but at the same time it's such a focal point of the room that I would not want to do without it. However, we have another room we use for TV watching so that might affect your decision.

I would prefer more wall space in a room than a basically non-working fireplace taking up room space. Electric fireplaces are a dime a dozen, new owners could always put one back in. I had a non working fireplace at my last house and it was brick and would have been a real pain to tear out, although most all the other folks on the row tore them out probably years before for the same reason--free up wall space in a tiny living room. It was beautiful and added character to the room, but all we ever did was look at is and think, "Gee it would be nice if we could have a fire." Don't install an electric one, tear out the whole thing while you can.

Either take it out completely or leave it "real". Maybe put in a gas insert if it's plumbed for gas.

I live in Florida and yes it would make a difference if it was electric or real.

if you don't keep the 'real', remove it completely or convert it to gas.

I agree - either real/gas logs, or totally remove.

I think converting to gas will keep the fp value and reduce the downsides you are facing.

Converting to gas is expensive, though. Probably about $5k, so I'd either leave it real or remove it. I do think it depends on where you are whether it matters. If it's an old house, leave it. In a newer one, get rid of it.

EDIT Even though people don't use fireplaces much in FL, people who haven't had one often think they want they want one when they're looking to buy. Then they never use it, but it's still a feature when selling, I think.

writersblock, I think it depends where your fireplace is in relation to your gas line. We converted to gas for a few hundred dollars as it was already right on the other side of the firebox.

I guess it depends on where you are, Linelle. I don't know anyone in FL who's managed to do it for that little, even if they had gas in the house already. Still it's always worth checking.

Personally, I was highly annoyed that a late Victorian house I seriously considered purchasing had done a gas conversion and was quoted very high (even more than the cost of converting to gas) to un-convert it, which was one reason I didn't buy the house.

What maddielee said.

When we looked for our FL house, a fireplace was on the must have list. I wanted wood burning but settled for gas.

There are some areas in the country that no longer allow wood-burning fireplaces because of the pollution it causes. You're much better off with gas in case that ruling ever comes to your area. I'm allowed to burn wood but wouldn't consider it for environmental reasons.

WB, well, it was back in 1999, so I would expect it to cost more now. But still, it was a simple thing at the time.

Another Floridian here - I don't check RE listings very often but it seems everyone wants a fireplace and a pool, even though most people don't use either one very much. :)

Donna

From a buyer's perspective, I think a poorly placed, non-working fireplace is worse than no fireplace at all. I would rip the whole thing out.

If you decide to keep it as an unvented hearth, I would probably use a log insert that takes gel fuel or a ventless gas insert.

I wouldn't worry about resale. Make the room what you want it to be, you deserve to enjoy it.

If you make the room look beautiful it won't matter if you have a fireplace or not.

Florida? I'd remove it. When my brother lived in Florida, having a fireplace was the last thing he seemed to care about. It wasn't ever going to be used.

Thanks all for the replies. I guess the hubs has final say and he wants to keep it. I usually get to make all the decisions regarding decor and he gets to fund it. Since it is staying, I figure a seating area would fit the bill. Comfy chair, ottoman and a small table with a lamp. Or put the bar console next to the fp.