As more and more people are looking to either build their first home or upgrade an already existing home, it's becoming more common for custom fireplace mantels to be ordered. The benefit of having a custom fireplace mantel built for you is that you can get the fireplace mantel that fits not only your fireplace, but also the overall look and feel of your home. However, before ordering that custom mantel, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.



Do your homework

You should know exactly what you're looking for before you set out to have a custom fireplace mantel made for you. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't have any room for flexibility, but having an understanding of what you want your fireplace mantel to look like is key to getting what you want. Finding out about what kind of wood, what accessories, and exactly how big you want your fireplace mantel do be can go a long way towards saving you time and money.

Also, doing your homework on the company making your custom fireplace mantel (http://www.ageewoodworks.com/custom-fireplace-mantels.asp) can go a long ways towards avoiding disappointment when your custom design fireplace mantel arrives. If there are reviews of the company, read them to see how they've done in the past. Does the company offer a warranty or return policy in the event that the fireplace mantel doesn't fit, isn't exactly what you wanted, or is damaged in the delivery? Find out if the delivery will include installation. If you're comfortable installing the fireplace mantel yourself, there's no need to have them do it, but if you're not, don't assume that they will. Find out if your mantel will be installed and, if not, how much it will cost to have it installed either by the company making your custom fireplace mantel or by another party.

Getting it Right

Ordering your custom wood fireplace can be trying if you're not sure what information the company making it will want. A good company will have all the information they'll need right on their website, but even if they don't, calling them is a great way to find out not only what measurements they need, but how exactly to get those measurements from your fireplace. There are few things more frustrating than waiting all that time and spending your hard earned money for a custom design fireplace mantel (http://www.ageewoodworks.com/custom-fireplace-mantels.asp) only to have it not fit because you weren't sure how to measure your fireplace and gave the company making it incorrect measurements. If you're not sure how to measure for your new fireplace mantel, and the directions either on their website or over the phone aren't clear, see if the company making your fireplace mantel can either send somebody out to take the measurements, or if that's not an option, recommend somebody in your area to help you get the dimensions of your fireplace.

When placing your order, don't forget to get some key information from the company, such when you can expect to have your fireplace mantel delivered, what kind of space will be required for them to deliver your custom fireplace, and again, whether or not it will be installed for you. Getting this information can save you the hassle of having a fireplace mantel delivered to your front door that won't fit your area. Asking a few questions can save a lot of headaches later.

Weigh Your Options

There are nearly limitless options to consider when picking out your custom fireplace mantel. A short list of things to consider when picking your fireplace mantel are:

? What type of material do you want used?

? If you have a wooden fireplace surround, what kind of wood would you like used?

? In sticking with wood, do you want to have it stained, painted, or left natural to stain or paint yourself?

? Do you want a modern or classic style?

? Do you want this to be an entertainment unit? Do you plan to have a television or other multimedia device on our around the unit?

? Do you want shelving or a mantel attached or do you want a simple surround for your fireplace?

Even after considering those options, you have to consider what's available and what the company constructing your unit is actually capable of creating. Know what you want and don't settle on a company just because they have a great price if they don't have all or at least most of the options available that you want. Know which options you are willing to do without and which ones are deal breakers. This will ensure that you get the custom design fireplace mantel that you want, not the one that the company is willing to make for you.

Know What to Expect

It would be great if you could order your custom fireplace mantel one day and have it delivered the next, but if you're expecting any kind of quality then you have to have a certain understanding about the time frame required to make your custom fireplace. The design company should be able to give you a rough estimate of a date, and many will even give you a hard date to expect your custom fireplace mantel by, but always be prepared to have that date be slightly flexible, as there are always occurrences outside of anybody's control that will effect the actual delivery date.

Also, be aware of what the change in your house will be. If the fireplace mantel (http://www.ageewoodworks.com) you've designed is small and simple then the change will be minimal, however, if you've chosen a far more elaborate design then the entire look and feel of your room can change, including a smaller amount of space depending on the size of your room and how far out your custom fireplace mantel will extend from the wall.

The Final Product

No matter what you decide to go with, picking out a custom fireplace mantel can be a great experience so long as you have a great company to work with. Do your homework; know what you want; and set realistic expectations for yourself. As long as you take your time and don't stress yourself out too much, then you can be sure that your custom wood fireplace mantel will be exactly what you've been wanting. So enjoy the process and enjoy the changes in your home.