How much should a chimney removal cost? Here is a standard price breakdown.
Chimneys are vital components that help with the removal of combustion byproducts such as smoke and gases. While doing this, chimneys also let in air that supports combustion.
However, the focus isn’t on the uses or benefits of chimneys. Rather we’re interested in exploring the removal or demolition costs for chimneys.
How much does it cost to remove or demolish a chimney?
You’ll hardly find a straight answer to this question because lots of variables are involved. It’s normal to want to know how much it will cost to have a chimney removed.
To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ve provided all the information you need below.
If you are looking at a rebuild, here is what chimney repair cost.
Average Cost To Remove Chimney
The typical range for chimney removal and demolition is around $4,000 to $10,000. The average, high, and low costs of removing the same are around $6,000, $10,000, and $4,000 respectively.
Cost variances will widen depending on the type of chimney removal to be performed.
There’s partial chimney removal as well as complete removal. Each of these types meets certain needs as will be discussed shortly. So, what type of chimney demolition job do you need?
Let’s discuss the two types in more detail.
Partial Vs Complete Chimney Removal Costs
The names involved giving an idea of what’s involved for each type of demolition.
Here, the degree of removal or demolition varies. While one only focuses on a section of the chimney, the other targets the entire chimney for demolition.
-
Partial Chimney Demolition Costs
Partial chimney demolition is limited in the sense that it’s only restricted to certain parts of the chimney considered faulty or dangerous. Here, the significant costs involved in complete chimney demolition are avoided.
Partial chimney and fireplace demolition will cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
-
Complete Chimney Demolition Costs
Complete chimney demolition or removal seeks to tear down the entire chimney structure.
However, this must be carefully done as the structure is mostly integrated into that of your home. Due to this structural condition, a lot of work is involved to ensure it doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the building.
The work done has a bearing on the chimney removal and demolition costs. The typical cost for this job ranges from $4,000 to $6,000. Since you’re dealing with the structure of a building, it’s important to also seek the help of a structural engineer.
This will attract a fee of about $500 even before demolition commences.
Standard Cost of Removing Different Parts of A Chimney
One of the best ways to estimate chimney demolition costs is by looking at its various components.
In a way, this sounds similar to partial demolition. However, the only difference here is that we’re looking at the individual costs of certain chimney removal tasks for purposes of cost estimation.
Complete chimney removal encompasses these components. Nevertheless, knowing the cost of removing certain parts of your chimney gives you a better insight into pricing.
-
Chimney Stack Removal Costs
The stack is the projected part of the chimney that exits from the roof. This is mostly visible from outside the house. Demolishing the chimney stack needs to be done carefully to avoid damage to a roof.
The average cost to remove the chimney stack is around $1,000 to $1,600.
Now, the exact cost of removal depends on the material the stack is made of. Chimney stacks could be built from brick or cement blocks. A cost assessment will consider the construction material.
Unlike other demolition methods that tear down the structure, a faulty chimney stack will need to be removed brick by brick. This helps avoid damage to your roof.
So, what happens with the hole left behind? It’s covered or sealed to prevent moisture or water from entering.
Some homeowners may need their fireplace removed alongside the chimney.
For some others, the fireplace will be okay to have around. Whatever your needs are, we’re including information on fireplace demolition costs to help with overall cost estimations.
Demolishing a fireplace will cost an average of $500 to $2,500. However, this is only an estimation as costs could vary widely. The location of the fireplace also influences its removal costs.
Some fireplaces are located in strategic points that require reinforcements when demolished.
Such reinforcements help maintain the structural integrity of your building. This type of fireplace demolition attracts higher removal costs.
-
Cost of Removing a Wood Stove
During chimney demolition or removal, a lot of areas need to be considered. Removal of a key component of the chimney such as the wood stove will attract a fee of around $500 to $1,000.
If it’s to be replaced, an installation fee applies. However, it’s unlikely that a chimney demolition job will include wood stove installation.
The ventilation system of such wood stoves will need to be sealed up. There’s also debris removal from the area. All of these are worked or included in the price quote.
-
Cost of Removing Inserts
A chimney removal job might seek to only get rid of inserts without major demolition work. Whether such inserts are electric, gas, or any other type, the cost of removing such will range from $600 to $2,500.
Sometimes, demolition of the hearth and mantle may follow.
-
Flue and Liner Removal Costs
Partial demolition is quite invasive and may seek to rectify the structural failure. It may also be necessary for flue and liner removal and replacement.
To have an old or worn-out flue and liner removed and replaced, you’ll incur around $1,000 to $5,000.
When complete removal or demolition is involved, the flue and liner are targeted for removal without replacement. The cost for such action won’t be as high as those for replacement.
You’re likely to incur a removal fee of about $500 to $1,500.
Factors Affecting Chimney Demolition Costs
Certain cost considerations will affect the overall costs for a chimney demolition job. These include the location of your home, material type used, regulations as well as labor costs per hour among others.
Before any work commences, it’s necessary to clarify what’s involved in calculating your demolition costs.
Chimney removal and demolition costs have been discussed with the multiple areas being focused on. Also included are factors that influence or affect costs.