A chimney is fairly high-maintenance, and while it is welcoming and provides warmth, there are plenty of reasons you may need to have a professional remove it. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as knocking down a few bricks and putting up a wall in its place. Chimneys and fireplaces are often structural components of a home and many span multiple floors. You can expect to spend between $2,300 to $7,750, or a national average of $5,025, for professional chimney removal.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Type
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost By Location
- When To Consider Chimney Removal
- FAQ
Average Costs of Chimney Removal
| National Average Cost | $5,025 |
| Typical Price Range | $2,300 – $7,750 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $500 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $10,000 |
Most chimney removal projects fall between the $2,300 to $7,750 range, but many factors can add additional costs. A simple wood stove or electric fireplace removal can cost as little as $500, while a large removal for a three-story, brick-and-mortar chimney stack and breast that is load-bearing could set you back as much as $10,000.
Chimney Removal Cost Estimator By Type
One of the key factors affecting your project cost is the type of chimney removal that fits your needs. If your home is experiencing structural integrity issues, chances are good that you will need a full demolition. However, if you are simply after more living space, you can probably get away with a cheaper, partial demolition.
Take a look at some common removal projects and their average costs:
Let’s break down the most common types of removal:
- Full Chimney Demolition
- Chimney Stack Removal
- Chimney Breast Removal
- Fireplace Removal
- Chimney Liner Replacement
Full Chimney Demolition
A full demolition costs between $3,125 to $7,750, depending on the complexity of your project. It includes the removal of your entire chimney stack and chimney breast, flue, and fireplace. It is important to plan additional costs for disposal, reconstruction, and hiring a structural engineer.
Chimney Stack Removal
Partial chimney removal includes chimney stack demolition, which involves removing the outer chimney, or the section of the chimney above your roof line. Stack removal typically costs between $865 to $1,825, depending on the project. The day-long project involves removing the stack, typically made of brick or cement blocks, and repairing the hole in your roof.
It is important to budget for debris removal, roof repairs, and scaffolding rental for access. Chimney stacks near the eaves, or edges of your roof, are typically less expensive to remove than those toward the center or peak of your roof.
Chimney Breast Removal
Another type of partial removal is chimney breast demolition. Your chimney breast includes the portion of your chimney inside your home that holds your flue and liner. The breast spans ceiling to floor, taking up ample living space. Many homeowners choose to remove their chimney breasts for additional space and storage or to make room for an entertainment center.
The breast is a structural component of many homes and costs more to remove than a simple stack. You should expect to spend between $1,500 to $3,250 for chimney breast removal. Demolition requires consulting a structural engineer and budgeting for disposal fees, structural support, and room refinishing. Interior chimney breasts on non-load-bearing walls are less expensive to remove than exterior wall chimneys.
Fireplace Removal
Fireplace removal costs between $500 to $2,375, depending on the size and type. Masonry fireplaces cost more to demolish than prefabricated versions. It is important to budget for disposal, refinishing, and a plumber or electrician.
If your current fireplace is gas-powered, a plumber will disconnect the gas line and pipes before your demolition. Similarly, an electric fireplace requires a licensed electrician to disconnect the power.
Wood Stove Removal
Wood-burning stoves are smaller than traditional fireplaces and less expensive to remove. They cost between $500 to $1,000 for professional removal. Many homeowners choose to remove their wood stoves over health concerns. Older models may not be EPA-certified, leading to harmful creosote buildup. You should plan to budget additional costs toward covering or removing your attached ventilation system.
Chimney Liner Replacement
A chimney liner protects your home and masonry from fire. It comprises a tube running the length of your chimney to increase energy efficiency. Unless you are removing your chimney stack, you will need a liner removal and replacement at some point. Replacement liners cost between $1,265 to $5,000, including installation.
Your total cost depends on the type of chimney liner you install. Stainless steel fireplace inserts are the most popular option and cost around $75 per foot. DIY aluminum chimney liner kits are available for existing chimneys running on gas but are not recommended for most systems. Ceramic sealant liners are the most expensive, costing $5,000 or more, but last up to 50 years.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Demolition is a complex process that is affected by many factors, including location, materials, size, structural support, and more.
Home Location
Removal costs vary depending on the location of the chimney inside your home. Removing a load-bearing chimney from an exterior wall is more expensive than removing a chimney built into a freestanding interior wall. Load-bearing chimneys require the installation of steel beams to take on the weight held by the chimney. These beams cost between $100 to $400 per linear foot.
Other popular removal locations include:
- Interior wall: Refinishing an interior wall costs less than patching, finishing, and supporting an exterior wall that is load-bearing
- Basement: Labor and disposal costs are higher for basement locations
- Bolted: Bolted chimneys cost less to remove than chimneys that sit between the framing of your wall
- Outdoor: Outdoor chimneys are less expensive to remove than indoor chimneys and fireplaces
Size
Chimneys often span multiple floors, and the size of the chimney directly affects total project cost. A larger chimney requires workers to remove and dispose of more materials, increasing the likelihood of more trips to the dump and costs.
Materials
Material is another key factor to consider when determining potential removal costs. Metal chimneys are typically the least expensive to remove, while chimney stacks built with brick or stone are more expensive.
Masonry Chimney
Brick fireplaces are the most popular type in the U.S., and the most common chimney size is 30 feet. Brick and stone are heavier than other chimney materials like metal, and the brickwork is more costly to remove. Typically, you can expect to spend $25 to $50 per linear foot for masonry removal.
Disposal
Chimney and fireplace removal creates a lot of debris for disposal. You can expect to spend between $350 to $800 per week on dumpster rental. Depending on the size and materials of your project, you may need to budget for additional dumps due to weight restrictions.
Additionally, you can look into donating good-condition masonry bricks to local community organizations for repurposing to eliminate disposal fees. It is also important to note that charitable donations are a tax writeoff.
Home Repairs
Home repairs are an inevitable part of the chimney removal. You should budget between $1,100 to $2,000 for home repairs during the process. Drywall, painting, re-siding, patching ceilings, and re-roofing are all part of the overall process.
Labor Cost to Remove a Chimney
Labor makes up a sizable portion of your total project cost. Contractors typically charge per hour, with chimney removal costs ranging between $25 to $50 per worker per hour, depending on the project.
It is important to contact a structural engineer before beginning your project. They will determine the proper structural needs for your home and take care of permits for your project. You should budget around $525 for the structural engineer’s services.
Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the contracting team, the complexity of your project, and the additional work needed, such as painting or re-siding.
Related Services
Chimney removal is a large project that can send surprises your way. Consider these related services.
Fireplace Replacement
A new fireplace sits at the base of your new chimney and is essentially a hearth containing fire. If you want to upgrade your fireplace after your removal project, there are several types to choose from, such as a gas fireplace remodel, all at different price points.
Below are the most common types of fireplaces and their average costs:
Asbestos Removal
Older homes built before 1980 often have asbestos-lined chimney flues. While undamaged and undisturbed asbestos in the home doesn’t pose a health risk, damaged and disturbed asbestos, like during a chimney removal, poses the risk of lung irritation leading to damaging scar tissue with lifelong ramifications.
If your chimney is lined with asbestos, specialty cleanup crews will safely remove and dispose of the materials. You can expect to spend $200 to $650 per hour on asbestos cleanup.
Cost of Chimney Removal By Location
Chimney removal costs vary widely depending on location, cost of living, and the materials and complexity of your roof, chimney, and fireplace. There is no way to know exactly what your removal will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area.
When To Consider Chimney Removal
Upgrades and remodels can be fun, but there are a lot of other reasons you may decide to remove your chimney stack, fireplace, or the complete package.
Damage
Damage can occur with age, settling, and even bad weather. If you suspect damage to your fireplace or chimney, it is important to consult a structural engineer to help determine your next steps. Sometimes chimney repair is as simple as a patch job. However, a leaning stack is often a sign of structural damage which is best cured by partial or full demolition.
Increased Living Space
We could all use more space, especially in our living rooms. Chimney breasts are large structures taking up valuable living space. Having a professional remove your chimney breast increases your usable space.
Moisture Problems
Moisture problems can exist anywhere, but they are more common in humid locations. Brick-and-mortar chimneys are especially prone to moisture damage, causing cracks and structural instability.
If you notice water stains, rust, rotting wood, or condensation, consult a structural engineer. Some moisture problems can be fixed by patching holes and replacing a chimney liner. However, often, partial demolition of the stack is necessary to correct moisture problems inside the home.
Energy Efficiency
Experts recommend having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected once per year. On average, a chimney sweep costs between $110 to $290 and removes buildup, increasing your fireplace’s energy efficiency.
While working chimneys are great, old and abandoned chimneys are a source of heat loss, odors, and even uninvited guests like stray rodents. Many homeowners choose full demolition to regain their space and increase their home’s energy efficiency.
FAQ
In some instances, you can move a chimney. It is important to consult a structural engineer. Freestanding bolt-on fireplaces and gas fireplaces are easier to move than a brick chimney and fireplace. With moving a brick chimney and fireplace, demolition and a new stack build have to occur.
No. Chimney removal is best left to the professionals. It is a complex process that can lead to water damage, injury, and voided home warranties if improperly completed.
Chimneys are not as sought after as they once were. Removing a chimney from a home in a warm-weather region will not negatively affect your home’s value. However, if you live in an area that experiences cold winters, your fireplace increases your home’s value by 12%.
Final Thoughts
A fireplace creates a warm and inviting home. Unfortunately, just like your roof, chimneys and fireplaces have a lifespan, and sometimes it is necessary to completely or partially remove them. You can expect to spend between $2,300 to $7,750, or a national average of $5,025, for chimney removal. If you are interested in learning more about the complex process, we’ll connect you with a chimney removal pro in your area to learn about your options.
Main Photo by: M J Richardson / GeoGraph / CC BY-SA 2.0
