How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fireplace? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,000 - $6,000
It costs $4,500 to remove a fireplace, but prices can range from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on the type, size, and condition of the fireplace.
On average, the cost to remove a fireplace is around $4,500, but the final price commonly runs between $4,000 and $6,000. Several factors affect the cost of this project, including the type of fireplace, the amount of damage it has, and whether or not you need your chimney removed.
- Average
- $4,500
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $10,000
Fireplace Removal Cost Factors
When you’re calculating how much it will cost to remove a fireplace, you’ll need to consider factors like the type of fireplace, its condition, and local labor rates. Here’s how each of these variables can impact your project cost.
Type of Fireplace
The type of fireplace you have will influence removal costs. For example, if you’re demolishing a masonry or gas fireplace, you can expect it to cost more than removing an electric fireplace insert or freestanding wood stove. Here are the approximate costs for removing a fireplace only (not including the chimney).
| Fireplace Type | Average Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood-burning stove | $500–$1,000 |
| Gas fireplace | $600–$2,500 |
| Wood-burning fireplace insert | $500–$1,000 |
| Gas fireplace insert | $700–$1,200 |
| Electric fireplace insert | $250–$400 |
| Outdoor fireplace | $500–$2,000 |
Size
A fireplace’s size directly affects how much it costs to remove it. The larger the fireplace, the more time, labor, and materials—and, therefore, money—you’ll need to dismantle it.
Chimney Repair or Removal
Everyone’s project is different. Some people might only need their fireplace removed, while others might require a full fireplace and chimney demolition. If you need to fix or rebuild your chimney, you can expect your costs to go up significantly. Here’s a breakdown of various chimney repair costs.
| Chimney Work | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Above-roof removal | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Chimney rebuild | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Flue and liner removal and replacement | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Below-roof or breast removal | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Full fireplace and chimney removal | $4,000–$10,000 |
Material
Your fireplace's material can also affect removal costs. Bulkier and heavier materials (like brick and concrete) are pricier to demolish and haul away than lighter ones (like metal).
Equipment and Disposal
Tearing down a fireplace is a messy, labor-intensive job that produces a lot of debris. As a result, some of your budget will go toward the equipment and materials needed for demolition, as well as debris disposal.
For a smaller-scale removal, you can expect to spend $200 to $1,000 on equipment and disposal expenses. However, for a complete fireplace and chimney removal, you’ll likely pay between $500 and $2,000 on equipment and disposal.
Damage
If there’s damage to your fireplace or chimney, your contractor may need to put in extra work to fix it—and that can drive up your project costs. For instance, some older chimneys might contain asbestos, which must be removed by a professional. On average, asbestos removal costs between $1,200 and $3,300.
Permits
Removing your fireplace is a significant undertaking that will require permits. Your contractor should pull the permits for you, but you’ll want to confirm this beforehand. On average, permits for fireplace removal cost between $100 and $1,000 and are often included in your contractor’s quote.
Labor
Labor will account for a large chunk of your fireplace removal costs. Professional labor for fireplace removal ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on your home’s location and the scope of the project. For a complete fireplace and chimney removal, labor costs can increase to $2,500 to $4,000.
DIY Fireplace Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Due to the many potential safety risks, we don’t recommend fireplace removal as a DIY project. Removing a fireplace, if done incorrectly, could compromise the structural integrity of your house, create a gas leak, or even cause your chimney to collapse. Instead of tackling it on your own, contact a local fireplace remodeler to handle it for you.
Cost of Common Fireplace Removal Add-Ons
For many people, removing a fireplace is just the first step in a full-scale fireplace renovation or home remodeling project. If so, here are some related costs you may encounter:
Cost to install a fireplace insert: $700–$6,500
Cost to install a wood-burning stove: $1,500–$4,000
Cost to install a pellet stove: $1,020–$3,590
Cost to install a fireplace: $940–$4,180
Cost to remove a wall: $1,000–$10,000
Cost to install built-in bookshelves: $1,400–$4,800
Tips to Reduce Costs While Removing a Fireplace
As you can see, removing your fireplace is an expensive endeavor. If you’re only doing it for aesthetic reasons, it might not be worth the expense. However, if you must take down your fireplace for a renovation or structural purposes, there are some ways to cut costs in the process. Here are a few tips:
Leave your chimney up: Removing your chimney in addition to your fireplace can increase your project costs by thousands of dollars. To save money, ask your contractor if it’s safe to seal off your chimney rather than demolishing it.
Consider an insert instead: Are you removing a wood-burning fireplace because it’s too inefficient or messy? As a more affordable alternative, consider installing a gas fireplace insert in its place instead of removing the fireplace entirely.
Get multiple quotes: Before kicking off a major project like this, try to get quotes from at least three contractors. That way, you can compare rates and make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
You shouldn’t remove a fireplace yourself. Before beginning this job, you’d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you’d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro for this project.
If your chimney is cracked, crumbling, or leaking, it may need to be replaced. Addressing these types of problems is essential because chimneys in this condition may be at risk of collapsing and causing major damage to your home. On average, a chimney replacement costs between $3,100 and $15,400.
In many cases, yes, you can remove a fireplace while keeping the chimney. You’d just need to seal the chimney at the bottom and the top. If you’re considering this option, bring it up with your chimney professional. They can determine if your chimney can remain intact without the support of the fireplace underneath it.