True Cost Guide Additions & Remodels Remove a Fireplace or Chimney

How Much Does Chimney Removal Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$1,000 - $10,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated September 13, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

The average cost to remove a chimney is $4,100, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
The total removal cost depends on the chimney size, location, material, and required labor.
Depending on the job complexity, you may require a permit, which costs between $20 and $150.
Homeowners pay an average of $500 to $2,500 for fireplace removal, depending on the type, location, wiring, and labor.
Electric or gas fireplaces are often the most expensive to remove due to the specialized labor required.

The average cost of chimney removal ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with most homeowners spending an average of $4,100. The total removal cost depends on the chimney size, location, materials, and labor. Labor is the most significant cost, with most demolition crews charging an average of $100 to $150 per hour. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $500 to $2,000 for fireplace removal.

Average Cost to Remove a Chimney

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$4,100	$10,000	$1,000

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Chimney Removal Cost Factors

The total cost of chimney removal depends on various factors, including the size, location within your home, materials, labor, and permits.

Size

The length and height of your chimney significantly affect the removal price. The size determines the time required to deconstruct and dispose of the chimney. Large or tall chimneys are more expensive to remove than smaller, lower chimneys.

Location in Your Home

Removal costs largely depend on the location and accessibility of your chimney. If you have a steep roof or a several-story home, removal costs significantly more than with a flat or single-story house. Chimneys located outside the framing or in between rooms are less expensive than those inside the framing or on an exterior wall because they require less labor and materials.

Material

Chimneys made of heavy materials, such as cement and brick, cost more to remove due to the additional time and labor required. Prefabricated or metal chimneys are the least expensive to remove due to their lighter weight.

Labor

Before removing a chimney, you’ll need to hire a structural engineer for a professional consultation, which averages $500. The structural engineer will determine if additional structural support is required after removal to ensure the stability of your home.

A local chimney demolition crew costs an average of $50 per hour per worker. Most crews include two to three workers, totaling $100 to $150 per hour. Many demolition crews include the cost of a dumpster rental in their quote, which ranges from $200 to $800 per week.

Permits

Depending on the size of the project, you may require a permit to remove a chimney. A structural engineer can help you determine if one is needed. Most permits cost between $20 and $150, but the total price varies by municipality.

Chimney Removal Cost by Part

Depending on your desired outcome, you can remove just the stack or breast of your chimney or complete a total demolition.

Chimney Part	Average Removal Cost
Stack	$1,000–$1,500
Breast	$1,500–$2,500
Stack and Breast	$4,000–$10,000

Chimney Stack Removal

The stack is the part of the chimney that extends past the roof. The average cost to remove the chimney stack ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Depending on the extent of damage, roof repairs may be required after removal, which costs between $375 and $1,800.

Chimney Breast Removal

The breast is the part of your chimney that surrounds the fireplace. You can remove the breast to create more space in your home for an average cost of $1,500 to $2,500. Afterward, you may need to spend an additional $2,500 to repair the walls and add structural support to your home.

Stack and Breast Removal

If you want to remove the stack and breast, the total demolition cost is between $4,000 and $10,000. Additional fees may apply after removal if you need to reinforce or repair areas of your home.

Fireplace Removal Cost Factors

The cost of removing a fireplace depends on labor, location within your home, and whether wiring work or asbestos removal is required.

Location

The location of a fireplace within your home significantly affects removal costs. If the fireplace is on a load-bearing wall or acts as a foundational structure for your home, you‘ll have to pay substantially more to install structural support and reinforcement after removal. Due to increased repair costs, fireplaces located on an exterior wall cost more than those on interior walls.

Wiring

If you have a gas-powered or electric fireplace, factor in the cost to disconnect, reroute, and cap off the wiring before removal. The average cost to hire an electrician ranges from $50 to $100 per hour but varies depending on the job's complexity.

Asbestos Removal

Fireplaces built before 1980 often contain asbestos, which can be a serious health hazard if improperly handled. The average cost to hire an asbestos removal crew ranges from $75 to $350 per hour or $5 to $15 per square foot.

Labor

The average labor cost for fireplace removal ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the job complexity. The size, weight, and type of fireplace determine the time required for removal, significantly affecting the total price. Some homes may require repairs or structural support after removal, resulting in additional labor costs.

Fireplace Removal by Type

Removal costs vary depending on the type of fireplace in your home. For example, removing a free-standing wood-burning fireplace costs less than a built-in gas design because it requires specialized labor and more extensive demolition.

Fireplace Type	Average Removal Cost
Wood-Burning	$500–$1,000
Electric or Gas	$500–$2,500
Ventless	$750–$1,500
Outdoor	$500–$2,000
Hearth	$25–$50 per linear foot

Wood-Burning

The average cost to remove a wood-burning fireplace ranges from $500 to $1,000. The total removal cost includes demolition, disposal, and repairs. Additional fees may apply if the ventilation system needs to be removed or capped. The average cost to cap a chimney is between $75 and $1,000.

Electric or Gas

Removal costs for electric or gas fireplaces range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the size, fuel source, and ventilation system type. Most gas fireplaces require chimney capping or removal of the breast, which increases the total cost. Additional fees for removing pipes and vents, trim removal, drywall repair, and structural support additions may apply.

Ventless

Removing a ventless fireplace costs between $750 and $1,500, depending on whether it’s wall-mounted, prefabricated, or inserted. You’ll also need to hire a professional to disconnect the gas line, which costs $150 to $300.

Outdoor

The cost to remove an outdoor fireplace ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the design, size, fuel source, and location. If the fireplace is attached to the house for an indoor-outdoor design, additional wall repair and structural support fees increase the cost.

Hearth

To remove a fireplace hearth, expect to pay between $25 and $50 per linear foot for demolition and disposal.

Chimney Removal vs. Repair

Before taking on a chimney project, determine if your home would benefit most from removal or repair. The best option depends on your budget, timeline, and desired outcome.

Chimney removal is a complex job best suited for homeowners who don’t use their chimneys. It involves the complete demolition and disposal of the chimney breast and stack. It may also require structural adjustments, ceiling repairs, and roofing work. Most chimney removal jobs take between three and seven days to complete.

If your chimney is in overall good condition, repair is a cost-effective alternative to replacement. Depending on the extent of damage, the average cost of chimney repair ranges from $160 to $750. Repairs often take a couple of hours to complete and can improve the appearance and function of your chimney.

Does Removing a Chimney Increase Home Value?

Removing a chimney likely won’t significantly impact your home value. The value of a chimney depends on the buyer's preferences and home design. Many buyers prefer chimneys in older or traditionally designed homes to provide a cozy feel. However, removing a chimney from a modernized home can enhance the aesthetic and attract buyers looking for a contemporary design.

Budgeting for Chimney Removal

Chimney removal is a major project and costs can add up quickly. To reduce your project costs, consider the following budget-friendly tips:

Compare quotes from multiple demolition crews in your area to find the most cost-effective option.
Dispose of the debris yourself to reduce labor costs.
After removal, complete simple drywall repairs and finishing touches yourself.
Keep labor costs down by scheduling removal during the off-season.
Repair your chimney rather than removing it.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

Still Have Questions About Chimney Removal?

FAQs

How much does it cost to install a new fireplace and chimney?

The average cost to install a new fireplace and chimney is between $2,500 and $11,000, depending on the design, labor, and size. If you want to update your current chimney, chimney replacement costs range from $1,000 to $5,000.

What maintenance is required for chimneys?

Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once yearly to prevent fires and improve air quality. The average cost of a chimney sweep ranges from $100 to $400.

Should I install a liner in my chimney?

Installing a liner prevents your chimney from overheating, reduces fire risk, improves air quality, and makes maintenance easier. The cost to install a chimney liner runs from $2,500 to $6,000.