The cost to build a fireplace varies depending on what kind you want, how big it is, and where you live. In this article, we’ll provide an estimate of how much a professional can expect to spend on the materials needed to build a fireplace, as well as labor costs associated with building one yourself. We’ve also included some tips for cutting costs if you’re looking for ways to make your project more affordable.
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, 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.
Building a fireplace is a great way to add some warmth and charm to your space. It can be as simple as a few bricks with a grate, or it could be more elaborate with an entire surround made of stone or brick. The most important thing when building a fireplace is to make sure that it has enough room for the firebox and that there is no risk of the fire spreading out of control.
There are many different ways you can build your fireplace, but the most common materials used are limestone and sandstone. Limestone is easier to work with because it doesn’t need any special tools or equipment to cut it into shape, but it does tend to crack over time from temperature changes in your home. Sandstone can be difficult to work with because it’s heavy, but once installed it will last forever without ever needing maintenance or repairs.
When choosing between limestone and sandstone for your fireplace, consider where you live: if you live in an area where earthquakes are common (like California), then limestone may not be as good of an option since it may crack during an earthquake—this isn’t necessarily true for every type of limestone though so check with your local building inspector before deciding which type will work best for your home.
Masonry Fireplace
Masonry fireplaces are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable and elegant. They’re a perfect fit for large rooms and offer the best of both worlds when it comes to functionality. If you have the space for one, then you might want to consider a masonry fireplace.
Wood-Burning Fireplace
The construction and installation cost of a wood-burning fireplace is largely dependent on the material that is being used. The material used in constructing the fireplace will determine the labor costs as well as material costs. It also determines how much time it takes to complete the installation process.
The average cost for installing a wood-burning fireplace is $3,600-$5,700; however this can be reduced by up to 50% if you do some of it yourself or if you hire non-union workers.
Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are the most cost-effective option for those looking to warm a larger space. If you’re trying to decide between gas or electric, it’s worth noting that gas is more efficient and safer than wood-burning fireplaces. Gas is also great for dry areas, as it doesn’t require moisture to function. This makes it ideal for those who live in desert climates like Arizona or California—or anywhere else where water sources may be scarce.
Gas fireplaces can be installed in a variety of ways:
- Direct venting: This type requires vent pipes that run directly from your fireplace chimney through your roof and into the outside air (you’ll also need an exhaust fan). It’s considered one of the safest methods because there’s no possibility of carbon monoxide entering your home through these pipes; they only allow clean combustion products out into open air.
- Indirect venting: These systems use a standard furnace flue system with no chimney connection required; instead, they draw smoke up through an opening on top before discharging it outdoors via ductwork connected to an existing furnace system’s chimney stack or roof venting system.
Electric Fireplace
If you’re looking for a way to add a fireplace to your home without the mess of a real one, an electric fireplace may be the solution. Electric fireplaces are incredibly easy to install and can be added to any room. They’re also safer than real fireplaces, meaning that anyone in your house can enjoy them safely.
Labor Cost
Labor cost is the second largest portion of your overall project costs. The labor cost for a fireplace can be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on where you live and how much work is involved in installing it. Labor rates vary greatly across the country so make sure you shop around for more than one contractor before making a decision.
To get an accurate quote, have your contractor provide as much detail they can regarding what they will do and how long it will take them to complete their work. This includes:
- The type of materials they use (brick, stone or concrete)
- How many workers are needed to complete the job
- What experience level each worker has (certified mason vs general laborer)
Fireplace Type, Material, and Style Cost
- Fireplace type, material, and style cost
Masonry fireplaces are the most expensive to build. They require specialized masonry skills and tools. You will also need to pay for hardwood or stone materials.
- Wood burning fireplaces are cheaper to build than masonry ones because they do not require any special materials or equipment. However, if you want a very large one with high quality finishes then it may cost more than a gas-driven design.
- Gas fireplace designs are less expensive than wood burning designs because they do not require any special construction techniques or materials; however they tend to be smaller in size compared to electric models which can make them feel out of place in larger rooms such as living rooms but still be somewhat appropriate for smaller spaces like dens or bedrooms where there isn’t much room available anyway so having something bigger won’t change much about how big of an impact that feature makes on overall appearance anyway since its small enough already anyway–and even then it’ll still look good regardless.
Ventilation Cost
The cost of ventilation varies widely depending on the type of fireplace you install. The most basic venting system will cost around $500 to $700, while more advanced systems can run anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. If you plan on installing a gas fireplace and don’t have a chimney through which your exhaust fumes can escape, then you must either pay someone to adapt your home’s existing ductwork or purchase an expensive new duct system for your fireplace. Ventilation is required for any style of fireplace in order to remove smoke from the home and keep everyone safe from breathing hazardous fumes.
Wiring Cost
The cost of wiring a fireplace depends on the number of electrical outlets and switches you need. If you’re building a simple surround, with just one switch and no outlets, you can expect to spend $1,000 or less—but if you want several outlets and switches (for lights and fans), that cost could range from $2,500 to $5,000.
Perfac vs Custom Cost
When comparing the cost of a wood-burning fireplace, it is important to consider the difference between Perfac and custom.
- Perfac is a prefabricated fireplace that can be delivered and installed within days, rather than weeks or months with a custom project.
- Custom fireplaces are usually more expensive because they require more labor and materials, as well as special equipment like crane lifts or scaffolding.
Remodeling Cost
Remodeling cost for a custom fireplace is between $5,000 and $10,000. This price includes labor costs to build a custom fireplace with a gas line, which will cost an additional $1,500-2,500 depending on what type of gas line you have installed.
To give some perspective on how much this remodel will cost you to install yourself versus hiring a professional (as well as show you how it breaks down), here’s some information about where this number comes from:
- The average time needed to complete this type of project is around 70 hours if you’re doing all the work yourself.
- If hiring a contractor or professional builder to do it for you instead, make sure they take into account any permits required by your city/county government before proceeding with construction as well as inspections after completion so that everything goes smoothly when submitting applications for these types of projects in urban areas outside large cities such as New York City where permits aren’t always required but still helpful nonetheless since many municipalities require building plans submitted with application forms even though no fee may apply during submission period (usually 30 days).
Chimney Liner Installation Cost
To install a chimney liner, you will need to hire a professional. The cost of hiring a professional will depend on the length of your chimney and the type of liner that you choose. In general, it costs about $3-$4 per linear foot for most types of chimney liners and installation materials.
This means that if your home has an 8-foot tall fireplace and chimney stack that measures 25 feet long (and includes all materials), your total cost would be between $200-$300 for labor alone before including any other expenses such as permits or inspections.
Not only does installing a chimney liner protect against fires but it also prevents creosote buildup too by allowing smoke to escape more easily through its walls so there’s less chance for soot buildup in the flue itself which can cause dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning when combined with air circulation problems during times where fires are used regularly throughout winter months because colder temperatures make it harder for hot air inside buildings like homes without adequate ventilation systems like those found near windows because they provide additional protection against heat loss while reducing energy bills overall since sunlight can still get through even though windows may not provide enough insulation needed during winter months which means greater risk exposure than ever before unless proper precautions are taken beforehand such as installing weather stripping around doors/windows where possible; however doing this type work yourself might not always work out well since they require special expertise knowledge skills experience training equipment tools etcetera.
Gas Line Installation Cost
The cost to install a gas line can vary depending on the location of your fireplace. Fireplaces in the basement will typically cost more than those located above ground, because they require more work and can be difficult to access. While it’s not impossible to run a gas line into an above-ground fireplace without professional help, it might be best to leave it to the professionals if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.
Gas lines themselves are relatively affordable—between $100 and $300 for liners alone—but if you’re looking for someone else to do the labor for you at this point, expect your total costs for this step alone to fall somewhere between $500 and $1,500.
Inspection, Cleaning, and Repairs
It’s important to note that inspections, cleaning, and repairs are all part of the building process. Inspections are required by law to ensure that your new fireplace is safe for you and your family. The inspector will give you a report on their findings, and if there are any problems with your fireplace he will provide a list of recommended repairs or modifications you can make to bring it into compliance with safety standards.
Cleanup from construction materials is also necessary before installing anything inside of your home. This should include removing any debris that could be harmful to you or your family members in case of an accident like falling through rotten floorboards due to improper construction methods (which happens). Repairs may include replacing broken windowsills or patching holes in walls where nails were driven through without proper support beams behind them because they weren’t properly framed out beforehand.”
The cost to build a fireplace is between $8,000 and $18,000.
The cost to build a fireplace is between $8,000 and $18,000. This can vary depending on the material and style of fireplace you choose, as well as the labor required to install it.
You can find fireplaces made from brick, stone, or concrete blocks which are less expensive than those made out of natural materials like wood or steel. The price also varies depending on your location: if you live near a high-cost area like New York City or San Francisco then expect to pay more than someone who lives in an average city elsewhere in America (like Denver). If there is an abundance of raw materials nearby (such as granite) then this will make it easier for builders to keep costs down – however when they have to transport these materials over long distances then their prices increase significantly so this may factor into your decision-making process too.
In conclusion,
We hope this article has been helpful to you in determining the cost to build a fireplace. Deciding how much you can afford to spend on your home renovation project is the first step. We will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns that may arise during your decision-making process, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
