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Adding a fireplace and chimney to your home adds ambiance. It also provides an inexpensive heat source during cold winter months, but how much does it cost to build a fireplace and chimney? The cost of a fireplace will depend on what type you choose but is generally between $100 to $5,600. There are many different types of fireplaces, such as prefabricated and masonry fireplaces.
In addition to the cost to build a fireplace and if you want to add antique fireplace surrounds, you may also need to factor in demolition as well as maintenance. Full demolition and removal of an existing fireplace and chimney can cost $4,000 to $10,000.
Maintenance costs can range from $100 to $200 per year, depending on what type of fireplace and chimney you have. In particular, it is critical to have the chimney flue cleaned every year.
Masonry Fireplaces
Image source: Brown Bear Builders Inc
A traditional wood-burning fireplace made of stone is also referred to as a masonry fireplace. Masonry fireplaces are often the most expensive due to the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into building them.
On average, masonry fireplaces cost between $3,500 and $5,600. However, they can cost up to $10,000 or more for larger and more detailed designs built by a stonemason. This includes the firebox, stonework around the firebox, and a mantel.
Prefabricated masonry fireplaces installed by a contractor can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. In contrast, the open-hearth fireplaces that you see in a ski chalet are built by a professional stonemason and usually cost upwards of $20,000. The latter is so much more expensive due to the labor costs for a professional stonemason as well as the materials.
Image source: Whitten Architects
A customized stonemasonry fireplace can range from $7,500 to $15,000 in labor and materials before installation. These costs depend on the quality of materials used as well as how experienced the mason is. By comparison, a fireplace made with brick costs slightly less, between $5500 to $11,000.
A stonemason can take 8 to 16 hours to install a masonry fireplace and they can charge between $70 to $90 per hour for their work. This can add up to be $560 to $1,440 for the cost of labor.
Prefabricated Fireplaces
Prefabricated fireplaces are more like appliances than the masonry fireplaces mentioned above. They are produced in a factory and are usually made out of metal as opposed to stone. The cost to add a prefabricated fireplace is less expensive than a masonry fireplace and there is a wide variety of styles to choose from.
Gas
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Gas burning fireplaces are a popular option because they are less expensive and are less work to operate. A simple flick of a switch turns on the fire, much like a gas stove, without all the extra effort to collect wood and bring it inside. Maintenance is also far less expensive because there is no ash or soot to clean up in the fireplace or the chimney flue.
A prefabricated gas fireplace costs an average of $2,000 but will also need to be installed by a professional with a gas license at a starting cost of $5,000. Installation can also include the chimney or exhaust pipe, building the surround and mantel, as well as the fireplace itself.
The added benefit of a gas fireplace is that it only requires a small exhaust pipe instead of a full chimney. The installation of an exhaust pipe can cost between $500 to $1,000, which is far less than the cost of a chimney.
Wood
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Homeowners looking to install a fireplace often desire the smell of a crackling wood fire like campfires or the holiday season. Wood-burning prefabricated fireplaces with an open face cost around $2,500 to install, including a 9” chimney from 9’ to 24’ tall.
This type of fireplace is also available in closed-face styles that is more like a traditional wood stove. They tend to produce more heat and are a more environmentally friendly heating option. This has earned many of them an EPA certification. The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace with a closed-face design can range from $3,500 to $7,500.
Electric
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The costs of an electric fireplace are among the lowest out of all the other options. Electric fireplaces do not burn anything or have a real flame, so they do not need a chimney installation or any other kind of ventilation system.
They range in price from $150 to $1,000 and plug into the wall. Since there is no need for a chimney, control panels are usually installed right on top of the fireplace. They also have remote control options to be able to operate at a distance.
Costs to install an electric fireplace will only occur if you need a new electrical outlet or if you choose to mount it to the wall. These costs are still quite minimal and range from $0 to $365.
Ventilation
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You may choose to install ventilation to carry the heat or exhaust from a fireplace elsewhere. The cost of installation will depend on local regulations in your area, the structure of your home, and the type of fireplace you have.
A simple ventilation system may only cost $200 whereas a ventilation system to accompany a wood-burning fireplace may cost as much as $3,000.
Installing a Chimney
Considerations
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Depending upon the type of fireplace that you choose, chimney installation is a critical component for health and fire safety. Any fireplace that has a true flame will require some kind of exhaust pipe or chimney, making them the more expensive options.
Placement of the chimney in your home is determined by the structure of your home. In the most ideal situation, installing the chimney in the middle of your home will allow for efficient heating. However, it is often easier to install a chimney on the side of an existing home. It is common to see chimneys on the sides of houses, but they are exposed to the elements and this has a huge impact on the lifespan of the structure.
The materials being used to build the chimney need to fall within federal safety guidelines. For example, the lining of the chimney needs to protect the structure from fire as well as act as an insulator. Quality materials make a difference to a chimney’s efficacy as well as its lifespan.
Consult an experienced contractor or stonemason before undertaking this type of project. It is critical to follow local laws when installing a fireplace and chimney to ensure that it is up to code and to avoid legal repercussions.
Cost
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A traditional masonry chimney can cost between $100 and $200 per linear foot to install. Engineered chimneys are slightly more affordable at a cost of $60 to $100 per linear foot. That means that the average cost for a 10’ chimney can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or $600 to $1,000, respectively.
Maintenance costs for a chimney can vary depending on how often you use it. Homeowners who prefer to use their fireplace as a main source of heat will need to be more diligent about having it cleaned. For around $230 a chimney sweep will clean the flue of the chimney as well as the hearth. Preventing the buildup of ash, soot, and carbon is a key part of fire prevention.
A chimney liner is an important addition to maintain the structure of the chimney and they need repairs if there are any cracks or leaks. The cost of installing a liner can range from $600 to $7,000 and repairs can cost between $150 and $750.
Engineered Chimney
Image source: Parkwood Master Builder
While a masonry chimney made of brick and mortar is a more traditional option for a fireplace, there are also engineered chimneys. Engineered chimneys are less expensive and tend to be a simpler undertaking. An engineered system costs an average of $95 per foot for shorter systems or $60 per foot for longer ones.
Ending thoughts on how much does it cost to build a fireplace and chimney
The cost to add a fireplace to your home can vary depending on what type of fireplace and chimney you are looking for. Demolition, maintenance, and repairs are considerations to keep in mind when evaluating how much it will cost to build a fireplace. However, adding a fireplace can add to the value of your home anywhere from $1,000 to $4,999.
A fireplace can easily be added to any home or existing fireplaces can be upgraded to better suit your needs. Stonemasons or experienced contractors can determine what finishes to use, such as brick, stone, metal, wood, or even plaster. The quality of materials will also have an impact on the total cost.
Understanding your options when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys before meeting with a contractor can help set budget expectations. This guide is a great first step to learn about all of your options.
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