How much does it cost to remove a fireplace? This is our focus in this guide.
Whenever a fireplace is installed, it’s expected to serve a period of time also known as its lifespan. During this time, all sorts of maintenance are performed to ensure the fireplace remains in good working condition.
At some point, both the fireplace and its chimney will need to be removed or demolished.
Demolishing a fireplace involves costs. Such costs may climb significantly if the chimney will be removed alongside the fireplace.
Here, we’re all about unveiling the cost details of fireplace removal. If you wish to perform a removal procedure, being able to figure out the cost will be important.
No Two Fireplace Demo Jobs Are the Same
One of the things you need to know is that no two jobs are the same. This simply means the cost of fireplace demolition will vary based on several factors.
They include the extent of demolition, debris removal, moving a fireplace, and hazards & damage.
Fireplace & chimney location, and fireplace wiring are additional factors that affect demolition cost. There’s no way of finding out how these cost-influencing factors unfold without discussing them.
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Extent of Demolition
The cost of demoing a fireplace largely depends on the extent of the job.
Here, we’re referring to how much demolition will be performed.
In a lot of instances, a chimney sweep may recommend the demolition of both the fireplace and chimney. Such jobs are likely to cost around $3,000 to $6,000.
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Debris Disposal
Every fireplace removal job produces debris. Having these clear is as important as the demolition job.
Depending on the scope of the project, the resulting debris may be much or little. To dispose of such debris, you’ll need to figure out labor cost as well as that renting a dumpster.
Most reputable demolition contractors will include cleanup costs in the price quote provided.
In cases where you need to save on disposal costs, reusable bricks can either be repurposed or donated. This helps reduce the volume of debris to be disposed of, thus reducing costs.
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Moving a Fireplace
Do you wish to have your fireplace moved to a new location?
First, the old has to be demolished and the wall repaired before installing the new fireplace at the most appropriate spot. Performing such relocation costs more, especially when it’s more than a few inches.
In performing such fireplace demolition, you should know that the new fireplace to be relocated shouldn’t go beyond a few inches. When it does, it exceeds the 30-degree limit a flue shouldn’t be offset beyond.
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Hazards & Damage
Fireplaces built before the 1980s are likely to have asbestos as part of the construction materials used. This hazardous material will have to be handled carefully during demolition.
As such, the cost of demolition increases and costs around $20 to $65 per sq. ft.
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Fireplace & Chimney Location
Where your fireplace and chimney are located in the home matters.
For instance, demolishing a fireplace within the living room as well as those between rooms won’t be as expensive.
This is so because you won’t have to patch exterior walls. Also, in terms of positioning, a fireplace located in a basement will require more labor costs.
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Fireplace Wiring
Does your fireplace have any wiring that needs disconnection? If it does, it’s best to have an electrician come over to cap and disconnect such wiring.
In some cases, wiring may be connected to your home’s electrical system. Expect to attract more costs when dealing with a fireplace with wiring.
Average Removal Cost For Fireplace Demolition
Demolishing a fireplace will cost you an average of $500 to $2,500.
For a lot of readers, such a cost range will be confusing without additional information on the reasons why. The demolition cost for a fireplace depends on the size, material, and fuel type.
Also, demolition cost can be influenced by partial demolition as well as whether the fireplace is pre-fabricated or not. Fireplaces are of different types; with wood-burning stoves, gas insert, outdoor fireplaces as well as electric inserts.
Demolishing a wood-burning fireplace will cost around $500 to $1,000.
For a gas fireplace, such costs will range from $500 to $2,500. Electric insert removal will cost about $500 to $1,000 while outdoor fireplace demolition costs between $500 and $2,000.
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Removing the Hearth
As part of the demolition process, the fireplace hearth will need to be removed.
Now, hearths are made from different materials such as marble or brick. Removal cost for both types of materials is around $25 to $50 per linear foot. This cost covers labor and debris disposal.
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Cost of Demolishing an Outdoor Fireplace
With demolition costs of about $500 to $2,000 depending on fuel source, size, and framing, outdoor chimney removal costs aren’t much different from indoor fireplaces.
Brick and masonry fireplace demolition is around $25 to $50 per vertical linear foot.
Before demolition begins, it’s important to have all gas lines and wiring removed. Having contractors disconnect these lines will amount to about $200 to $500.
Reasons for Fireplace and Chimney Removal
Removing a fireplace is almost always prompted by a problem. There are times when the fireplace will require upgrading and also replacement.
What more? There may be damage to your chimney and fireplace.
A homeowner may also decide to repurpose the space occupied by the fireplace. This is in addition to moisture problems. In any case, the aim is to make such space available for other uses.
Are there Ways to Lower Fireplace Demolition Cost?
DIY fireplace demolition best serves your needs when you’re skilled enough to do a decent job. Of course, the right tooling will need to be made available for any chance of success.
DIY fireplace demolition does lower your expenses.
One other way to lower your fireplace and chimney removal costs is by asking for multiple quotes from more than one demolition contractor. Different companies have their unique pricing structure.
Having an idea of the variations in cost gives you an edge as you get the best of pricing as well as service.
Demolition cost for a fireplace is one of the critical areas a lot of homeowners are concerned about when seeking to remove an old or dysfunctional fireplace.
It’s important to always go for professional service. This is because while figuring out the cost implications, it’s necessary to consider how well such a job will be done.