McClurg's Home Remodeling Blog

Fall is often the time when homeowners think about updating or adding a fireplace to a room. Fireplaces are an asset to homes in our climate and can be a focal point during the holiday season and winter months.

Gas fireplace inserts make it convenient to turn on a warming fire and simplify maintenance. Wood burning fireplaces add traditional charm with crackling glowing embers during cold days and nights.

At the 2016 Central New York Parade of Homes most of the model homes featured exterior stone facades and trims. Stone is an architectural element that adds beauty and value to the exterior of a home.

Stone veneer, which has been available for many years, can be made from real stones or manufactured stone. It is generally used as a decorative cover on exterior walls and surfaces.

Because of recent advancements in technology, more homeowners are now remodeling with manufactured stone veneer.

If you visited this year’s Parade of Homes you may have been impressed by the beautiful stone facades on the exterior of the showcase houses and the decorative interior stone veneer used on walls and fireplace surrounds.

Decorative stone veneer can add architectural and visual interest to the interior of a home or office and become a focal point in any room.

If you visited this year’s Parade of Homes you may have gathered many ideas for home remodeling projects. Several of the homes on display had outdoor living spaces to showcase. There were decks, screened porches, a three-season room, two pools with hardscape, firepits and a pool house to view.

Small changes to our homes can make a major impact in a room and the way we use it. The owners of this Jamesville, NY home, built in 2003, decided to change the look and function of their living room by updating a fireplace with built-in cabinets, display shelves, a flat screen television placed over the mantel, a new stone veneer fireplace surround and a stone tile hearth.

Stone veneer is an architectural element that adds beauty and value to a home. It is typically used as a decorative cover on interior as well as exterior walls and surfaces. Stone veneer, which has been available for many years, can be made from real stones or manufactured stone.

Because of recent advancements in technology, more homeowners are now remodeling with manufactured stone veneer. Compared to natural stone veneer, manufactured stone is more affordable, lighter in weight, easier to install, available in many shapes and colors, easy to maintain and requires no sealing. Manufactured stone veneer products are made to replicate the look of natural stone and are backed by manufacturer warranties.

A fireplace is often a focal point in a room. Design details are important and help to define the style and mood of the space - casual or formal. Mantel design, the surround, hearth and the fuel source are key elements to consider when updating or adding a fireplace to your home. There are many products and accessories to choose from. Here are nine unique fireplace projects we designed and built for Central New York homeowners that show a range of options and creative ideas.