How much does it cost to build a fireplace?

Adding a fireplace and a fireplace to your home adds ambiance. It also offers an inexpensive heat source in the cold winter months, but how much does it cost to build a fireplace and a fireplace? The cost of a fireplace depends on which type you choose, but is generally between $ 100 and $ 5,600. There are many different types of fireplaces, such as prefabricated fireplaces and brick fireplaces.

In addition to the cost of building a fireplace, you may also need to consider demolition and maintenance. The complete demolition and removal of an existing chimney and chimney can cost $ 4,000 to $ 10,000.

Maintenance costs can range from $ 100 to $ 200 a year, depending on the type of fireplace and chimney you have. In particular, it is important that the chimney is cleaned every year.

Masonry chimneys

Image source: Brown Bear Builders Inc.

A traditional stone wood fireplace is also known as a brick fireplace. Masonry fireplaces are often the most expensive due to the exquisite craftsmanship used to build them.

On average, brick chimneys 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. These include the firebox, masonry around the firebox and a mantelpiece.

Prefabricated brick fireplaces installed by a contractor can cost between $ 2,000 and $ 3,000. In contrast, the open fireplaces you see in a ski chalet are built by a professional stonemason and usually cost more than $ 20,000. The latter is much more expensive due to the labor costs for a professional stonemason and the materials.

Image source: Whitten Architects

A customized stonemason fireplace can cost between $ 7,500 and $ 15,000 in labor and materials before installation. These costs depend on the quality of the materials used and the experience of the mason. In comparison, a brick fireplace costs a little less, between $ 5,500 and $ 11,000.

A stonemason can take 8 to 16 hours to install a brick fireplace, and can cost between $ 70 and $ 90 an hour to do his job. This can add up to $ 560 to $ 1,440 for labor costs.

Prefabricated fireplaces

Prefabricated fireplaces are more similar to appliances than the brick fireplaces mentioned above. They are made in a factory and are usually made of metal as opposed to stone. The cost of adding a prefabricated fireplace is less than that of a brick fireplace, and there are a variety of styles to choose from.

gas

Image source: Susi Builders Supply Inc.

Gas fireplaces are a popular option because they are cheaper and require less work. A simple push of a button turns on the fire, similar to a gas stove, without the additional effort of collecting wood and bringing it in. Maintenance is also much cheaper because there is no ash or soot in the chimney or chimney for cleaning.

A prefabricated gas fireplace costs an average of $ 2,000, but must also be installed by a professional with a gas license at a starting price of $ 5,000. The installation can also include the chimney or exhaust pipe, the structure of the surround and the mantelpiece, and the chimney itself.

The additional advantage of a gas fireplace is that instead of a full fireplace, only a small exhaust pipe is required. Installing an exhaust pipe can cost between $ 500 and $ 1,000, which is far less than the cost of a chimney.

Wood

Image source: Pearson Design Group

Homeowners who want to install a fireplace often want the smell of a crackling log fire such as a campfire or the holiday season. Installation of open-faced prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces costs around $ 2,500, including a 9-inch fireplace that is 9 to 24 inches high.

This type of fireplace is also available in closed versions, which are more similar to a traditional wood stove. They tend to generate more heat and are a more environmentally friendly heating option. This has earned many of them EPA certification. The cost of installing a closed-design wood-burning fireplace can range from $ 3,500 to $ 7,500.

Electrical

Image source: Notochord Group Inc.

The cost of an electric fireplace is among the lowest of all other options. Electric fireplaces do not burn anything or have no real flame, so they do not require a chimney installation or other ventilation systems.

They cost between $ 150 and $ 1,000 and are wall-mounted. Since no fireplace is required, control panels are usually installed directly above the fireplace. You also have remote control options to work remotely.

The cost of installing an electric fireplace only applies if you need a new outlet or want to mount it on the wall. These costs are still fairly low, ranging from $ 0 to $ 365.

ventilation

Image source: Dilworth Homes

You can install ventilation to direct the heat or fumes from a fireplace to another location. Installation costs depend on the local regulations in your area, the structure of your house and the type of fireplace.

A simple ventilation system may cost just $ 200, while a wood-burning fireplace ventilation system can cost up to $ 3,000.

Install a chimney

Considerations

Image source: WEST ELEVATION ARCHITECTS INC

Depending on the type of fireplace you choose, the installation of the fireplace is an important component for health and fire protection. Any fireplace that has a real flame needs some kind of exhaust pipe or fireplace, which makes them the more expensive options.

The placement of the chimney in your house is determined by the structure of your house. Ideally, installing the fireplace in the middle of your house will enable efficient heating. However, it is often easier to install a chimney on the side of an existing house. It is common to see chimneys on the sides of houses, but they are exposed to the elements, which has a huge impact on the life of the structure.

The materials used for the construction of the chimney must comply with the federal security guidelines. For example, the lining of the chimney must protect the structure from fire and act as an insulator. High quality materials affect both the effectiveness and the lifespan of a chimney.

Consult an experienced contractor or stonemason before undertaking such a project. When installing a fireplace and a fireplace, it is important to comply with local laws to ensure compliance and to avoid legal implications.

costs

Image source: 1800 lighting

The installation of a traditional brick chimney can cost between $ 100 and $ 200 per linear foot. Technical chimneys are a little cheaper at $ 60 to $ 100 per linear foot. That means the average cost of a 10-foot chimney can be between $ 1,000 and $ 2,000, or between $ 600 and $ 1,000.

Maintenance costs for a chimney can vary depending on how often you use it. Homeowners who prefer to use their fireplace as their main source of heat must be more careful when cleaning. For about $ 230, a chimney sweep cleans both the fireplace and the stove. Preventing the formation of ash, soot and carbon is an essential part of fire protection.

A fireplace liner is an important addition to maintaining the structure of the fireplace and they need to be repaired if there are cracks or leaks. The cost of installing a liner can range from $ 600 to $ 7,000, and repairs can range from $ 150 to $ 750.

Engineered chimney

Image source: Parkwood builder

While a brick and mortar chimney is a more traditional option for a fireplace, there are also technical chimneys. Technical chimneys are cheaper and generally easier. A mature system costs an average of $ 95 per foot for shorter systems or $ 60 per foot for longer systems.

Final thoughts on how much it costs to build a fireplace and chimney

The cost of adding a fireplace to your home can vary depending on what type of fireplace and fireplace you are looking for. Demolition, maintenance and repairs are considerations to consider when evaluating the cost of building a fireplace. However, adding a fireplace can add value to your home between $ 1,000 and $ 4,999.

A fireplace can be easily added to any house, or existing fireplaces can be upgraded to your liking. Stonemasons or experienced contractors can determine which surfaces to use, e.g. B. brick, stone, metal, wood or even plaster. The quality of the materials also affects the total cost.

Knowing your chimney and chimney options before meeting a contractor can help you set budget expectations. This guide is a good first step to get to know all of your options.

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