Warm, cozy and valuable

It’s hard to deny the charm of gathering around warm, flickering flames to read a book or share stories with your family. Fireplaces tend to evoke an emotional response from buyers and most people are willing to pay more to get one.

According to a survey from AngiesList.com, approximately 25 percent of home buyers said they would pay up to $1,000 more for a fireplace, 35 percent would pay $1,000-$5,000 extra and 18 percent would pay even more. While gas and electric fireplaces are practical, the survey found that wood-burning fireplaces have the greatest appeal. About 60 percent of homeowners and home buyers throughout the country prefer the ambience of a wood-burning fireplace.

If you have the luxury of any type of fireplace, here are a few ways to make it extra cozy: Start by having your fireplace and chimney serviced. The National Association of Home Builders recommends an inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep once a year.Arrange seating with the fireplace as the focal point. Add a few floor cushions or large pillows to make it even more inviting.For a rustic coziness, stack real logs in or next to a wood-burning fireplace (even if you don’t plan to burn them). Place a basket on the hearth to hold blankets, making it easy to curl up by the fire.