How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fireplace? [2025 Data]

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.

Fireplace Removal Cost Factors

When you’re calculating how much it will cost to remove a fireplace, you’ll need to consider factors like the type of fireplace, its condition, and local labor rates. Here’s how each of these variables can impact your project cost.

Type of Fireplace

The type of fireplace you have will influence removal costs. For example, if you’re demolishing a masonry or gas fireplace, you can expect it to cost more than removing an electric fireplace insert or freestanding wood stove. Here are the approximate costs for removing a fireplace only (not including the chimney).

Size

A fireplace’s size directly affects how much it costs to remove it. The larger the fireplace, the more time, labor, and materials—and, therefore, money—you’ll need to dismantle it. 

Chimney Repair or Removal

Everyone’s project is different. Some people might only need their fireplace removed, while others might require a full fireplace and chimney demolition. If you need to fix or rebuild your chimney, you can expect your costs to go up significantly. Here’s a breakdown of various chimney repair costs.

Material

Your fireplace's material can also affect removal costs. Bulkier and heavier materials (like brick and concrete) are pricier to demolish and haul away than lighter ones (like metal).

Equipment and Disposal

Tearing down a fireplace is a messy, labor-intensive job that produces a lot of debris. As a result, some of your budget will go toward the equipment and materials needed for demolition, as well as debris disposal. 

For a smaller-scale removal, you can expect to spend $200 to $1,000 on equipment and disposal expenses. However, for a complete fireplace and chimney removal, you’ll likely pay between $500 and $2,000 on equipment and disposal.

Damage

If there’s damage to your fireplace or chimney, your contractor may need to put in extra work to fix it—and that can drive up your project costs. For instance, some older chimneys might contain asbestos, which must be removed by a professional. On average, asbestos removal costs between $1,200 and $3,300.

Permits

Removing your fireplace is a significant undertaking that will require permits. Your contractor should pull the permits for you, but you’ll want to confirm this beforehand. On average, permits for fireplace removal cost between $100 and $1,000 and are often included in your contractor’s quote.

Labor

Labor will account for a large chunk of your fireplace removal costs. Professional labor for fireplace removal ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on your home’s location and the scope of the project. For a complete fireplace and chimney removal, labor costs can increase to $2,500 to $4,000.

Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Removal Pro

Fireplace removal is a complex project that involves tricky structural components, masonry, gas lines, and ventilation systems. Even small mistakes can lead to serious safety risks, including collapse, debris hazards, or gas leaks. Hiring your local fireplace remodeler ensures your fireplace is removed in a safe, code-compliant way with minimal time or effort on your part. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace removal pro

A licensed fireplace professional has the structural, mechanical, and safety expertise needed for this type of heavy-duty project.

• Pro fireplace remodelers understand load-bearing walls and can safely remove chimneys, hearths, and framing without causing structural damage.

• Fireplace pros can properly disconnect gas lines or electrical components, reducing hazard risk.

• Professionals handle debris removal and disposal, which can be extremely heavy and messy.

• A pro makes sure the removal complies with local building codes and prevents issues with resale or inspections.

• They have the right demolition tools and protective equipment that would cost a lot to rent or buy. 

• Hiring a pro saves significant time and stress compared to managing a major teardown alone.

If you want to DIY fireplace removal

Although you may not be able to remove your fireplace yourself, there are steps you can take to save costs on labor before pros arrive. Here’s what’s safe to handle solo:

• Remove any decor, furniture, or wall hangings near the workspace.

• Use plastic sheeting to cover floors or adjacent rooms to minimize dust spread.

• Disconnect and remove any easily detachable, nonstructural components like mantels or trim.

• Verify whether the fireplace is wood-burning, gas, or electric to provide accurate details during booking.

Cost of Common Fireplace Removal Add-Ons

For many people, removing a fireplace is just the first step in a full-scale fireplace renovation or home remodeling project. If so, here are some related costs you may encounter:

• Cost to install a fireplace insert: $700–$6,500

• Cost to install a wood-burning stove: $1,500–$4,000

• Cost to install a pellet stove: $1,000–$3,600

• Cost to install a fireplace: $940–$4,200

• Cost to remove a wall: $1,000–$10,000

• Cost to install built-in bookshelves: $1,400–$4,800

Tips to Reduce Costs While Removing a Fireplace

As you can see, removing your fireplace is an expensive endeavor. If you’re only doing it for aesthetic reasons, it might not be worth the expense. However, if you must take down your fireplace for a renovation or structural purposes, there are some ways to cut costs in the process. Here are a few tips: 

• Leave your chimney up: Removing your chimney in addition to your fireplace can increase your project costs by thousands of dollars. To save money, ask your contractor if it’s safe to seal off your chimney rather than demolishing it.

• Consider an insert instead: Are you removing a wood-burning fireplace because it’s too inefficient or messy? As a more affordable alternative, consider installing a gas fireplace insert in its place instead of removing the fireplace entirely.

• Get multiple quotes: Before kicking off a major project like this, try to get quotes from at least three contractors. That way, you can compare rates and make sure you’re getting a good deal.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

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