How expensive is it to get rid of a fireplace?

Author: Gordon Johnson  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

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.

How expensive is it to remove a fireplace?

Fireplace and chimney removal costs $3,000 to $6,000 for an entire demolition with structural support and home repairs. A partial removal costs $500 to $2,500 for a wood-burning stove, gas fireplace insert, chimney stack, or breast. A large brick or stone chimney can cost $4,000 to $10,000 to remove.

How do I get rid of an old fireplace?

Table of Contents
  1. Cap Your Chimney.
  2. Remove the Mantel and Fireplace Surround.
  3. Remove Fireplace Bricks.
  4. Dispose of Removed Bricks.
  5. Remove the Hearth.
  6. Wood Framing.
  7. Install Drywall.
  8. Finish the Floor Patch.

Will removing a fireplace decrease home value?

Removing a fireplace can impact home value depending on location and market demand. In areas where fireplaces are desirable, removing one might decrease the property's value. However, in markets where fireplaces are less important, removing one may not affect the value significantly.

Do I need a permit to remove a fireplace?

In California, most of the regulations about gas fireplaces revolve around the installation of these systems. For example, ventless natural gas fireplaces usually aren't allowed in California. A permit is needed to remove a gas fireplace to ensure that your home is still up to code after the project is done.

Removing a Chimney - Should You Do It? Pros, Cons, and FAQs

How can I get rid of my fireplace?

Removing and demolishing a fireplace is extremely labor intensive work that also takes a long time. You need to use brute strength to break apart the brick and masonry, and carry the debris to a dumpster. Depending on the size of the structure, you may need multiple days to fully remove it.

Who can check my fireplace?

Call a professional chimney sweep to inspect your drafty fireplace and give you peace of mind it is safe to use.

Why are people getting rid of fireplaces?

Local bans on wood burning are becoming more common in areas where air pollution is a concern. If your area has instituted restrictions or an all-out ban on using wood-burning fireplaces, it makes little sense to hold on to one.

Is a house worth more with a fireplace?

According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, a fireplace can increase the resale value of your home by 6-12%. Plus, you can recover 100% of the expenses associated with the fireplace installation. There are many reasons why fireplaces can increase a property's value.

Do fireplaces increase insurance?

Yes. A house with a fireplace will likely increase home insurance costs because having a fireplace correlates with a greater risk of fire. Certain insurers will charge higher rates due to the increased risk of the peril of fire based on having a fireplace.

Are old fireplaces worth anything?

Your fireplace could potentially be worth a fair amount of money, so try getting an architectural salvage expert to look at your photos. They will be able to tell you what kind of stone is used (is it a marble fire surround on a polished granite hearth? Or does the limestone fire surround have slate slips?).

How do you abandon a fireplace?

“You can also cover/seal the fireplace opening with brick or drywall if you want to eliminate the fireplace altogether,” says Blaken. You could build a drywall fireplace cover or hire a pro to do it for you. Some drywall fireplace covers act like a plug and can be removed from the opening at will.

Are fireplaces load-bearing?

Fireplace walls require load-bearing techniques. It needs to carry the weight of the fireplace and chimney. It transfers that weight to the foundation and other structural elements of the building. Steel beams or other structural elements reinforce the fireplace to provide additional support.

Is it worth keeping a fireplace?

They Can Be Energy-Efficient

Most modern fireplaces run on gas or electricity, but traditional wood burners or an open fireplace are also popular. If you do use a wood burner or open fire for heating, it will only provide warmth in the room it's in, but it can save you pounds on your energy bills.

How to tell if a chimney is load-bearing?

Signs a Chimney May Be Load-Bearing
  1. Visual Clues to Assess – Look for chimney connections across multiple stories.
  2. Architectural Plans as a Source – Blueprints can reveal whether a chimney carries load.
  3. Consulting a Structural Engineer – A professional can confirm if a chimney is load-bearing.

What to do with the space after removing a fireplace?

So, since you are planning to add a fireplace back in your living room I'd recommend simply getting a large art piece for that wall to help fill up the void but also help putting the living room together and look complete the look for the time being.

Are fireplaces making a comeback?

A: While there's no one new trending look for fireplaces — it's a timeless home feature, after all — statement surrounds with bold tiling, room-divider fireplaces that help create a sense of separation in an open-concept living space, and fireplaces with organic shapes or curved features are all fireplace trends for ...

What increases house value the most?

10 quick wins for adding value before selling
  1. Redecorate. ...
  2. Fix superficial defects. ...
  3. The front door. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Heating and lighting. ...
  6. Garden appeal. ...
  7. Create a driveway / off-road parking. ...
  8. Look smart and be energy efficient.

What are the downsides of fireplaces?

Whether to use a fireplace or not is a controversial topic in building science. The main problem is that a typical wood-burning fireplace actually has a net cooling effect on a home. (And that applies also to when they're not in use if the damper stays open.) Then there's the effect they have on indoor air quality.

How much does fireplace removal cost?

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.

Is it hard to get rid of a fireplace?

Full fireplace removal is a complex procedure — and an expensive one. Removal of a brick fireplace and chimney on a load-bearing wall can cost up to $10,000, depending on the size and material.

Does removing a fireplace decrease home value?

“Fireplaces are a sought-after feature among home buyers, and removing them will negatively affect the value of your home,” says Dogan, who adds that they are inviting and evoke feelings of warmth and charm—especially in the Northeast.

Does homeowners insurance cover a fireplace?

Standard homeowners insurance covers damage from fire and smoke, including accidental fires caused by chimney fires and fireplaces. However, insurance carriers typically charge higher premiums for homes with fireplaces because they see an increased risk that they'll have to pay out a claim.

How much does it cost to check a fireplace?

$100 to $200, depending on things like the type of fireplace and location. Before you book, dig into the details of common inspection expenses so your fireplace keeps you cozy while remaining budget-friendly this year. U.S.

How can you tell if a fireplace is safe to use?

Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe
  1. Check Exterior for Masonry Cracks. Winter precipitation and below-freezing temperatures can be brutal for masonry chimneys. ...
  2. Make Sure Chimney Cap is Secure. ...
  3. Check for Creosote Buildup. ...
  4. Examine the Firebox. ...
  5. Look for Water Stains. ...
  6. Test the Damper.

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