How Much Does Chimney Removal Cost in 2025?
The average cost of chimney removal is $4,500
The average cost to remove a chimney is $4,500, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
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.
Always hire a chimney professional to ensure safe and code-compliant removal.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you’re planning to remove an old chimney, set aside a budget for factors such as location, size, and materials. Most homeowners spend an average of $4,500, although costs can range from $1,000 to $15,000. Hiring a professional chimney contractor to complete the removal ensures that the structure is safe and compliant with local codes.
Chimney Removal Cost Factors
Several factors affect the cost of chimney removal, including the chimney's size, its location within your home, the materials used, labor costs, and required permits. Understanding these elements can help you budget effectively for your project.
Size
The size of your chimney directly impacts the cost of removal. Larger or taller chimneys require more time for deconstruction and disposal, so they cost more to remove than shorter stacks.
Location in Your Home
The chimney's location and accessibility significantly influence removal costs. Removal is more expensive for chimneys on steep roofs or multi-story homes compared to flat or single-story houses. Chimneys outside the framing or between rooms are less costly to remove than those within the framing or on exterior walls, as they require less labor and fewer materials.
Suppose the fireplace is located on a load-bearing wall or serves as a foundational structure for your home. In that case, you’ll have to pay substantially more to install structural support and reinforcement after its removal.
Material
The materials comprising your chimney affect removal costs. Heavy materials, such as cement and brick, increase time and labor requirements, resulting in higher costs. In contrast, prefabricated or metal chimneys are less expensive to remove due to their lighter weight.
Labor
Hire a structural engineer and schedule a consultation before beginning your chimney removal. You’ll pay an average cost of $525. The engineer confirms whether you’ll need extra support after the chimney comes down. Demolition crews charge $50 to $100 per hour per worker, with most crews consisting of two to three workers. Many include dumpster rental costs in their quotes, which range from $300 to $475 per week.
Permits
Most chimney removals require a permit, although the exact rules vary by city. A structural engineer can confirm if a permit is necessary. Building permit costs range from $20 to $150, depending on the municipality.
Asbestos Removal
Fireplaces built before 1980 often contain asbestos, which can pose a serious health hazard if not correctly handled. The average cost to hire an asbestos removal crew ranges from $75 to $350 per hour.
Chimney Removal Cost by Part
When removing a chimney, you can choose to remove certain parts or the entire structure. The parts you remove will determine your total costs.
| Chimney Removal Part | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stack | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Breast | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Stack and breast (complete removal) | $4,000–$10,000 |
Chimney Stack Removal
The chimney stack extends above the roofline. Removing the stack costs between $1,000 and $1,500. If roof repairs are necessary following removal, expect additional costs ranging from $375 to $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.
Chimney Removal vs. Repair
Decide upfront whether removal or repair is the best fit for your budget, timeline, and goals. Chimney removal is a complex process suitable for homeowners who no longer use their chimneys. It involves demolishing the chimney breast and stack and may require structural adjustments, ceiling repairs, and roofing work. Chimney removal takes three to seven days.
If your chimney is in good condition, repairing it can be a cost-effective alternative. Chimney rebuilding costs start at $5,000 and can reach up to $15,000, with an average price of $10,000.
Does Removing a Chimney Increase Home Value?
Removing a chimney may not significantly affect your home's value. In older or traditionally designed homes, removing your chimney might deter homebuyers who value the charm of a functional fireplace, potentially reducing the property's market value. Conversely, removing a chimney from a modernized home can enhance its aesthetic, attracting buyers seeking a contemporary design. The impact on value depends on your home's style and the preferences of potential buyers.
Budgeting for Chimney Removal
Chimney removal is a significant project, and costs can escalate quickly. To manage expenses effectively, consider these cost-saving strategies:
Obtain multiple quotes from demolition crews to find the best price.
Handle debris disposal yourself to reduce labor costs.
Perform simple drywall repairs and finishing touches after removal.
Schedule removal during the off-season to take advantage of lower labor rates.
Evaluate whether repairing the chimney is a more cost-effective option than removal.
DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Professional
Chimney removal is not a DIY job. It’s dangerous and can compromise your home’s structural integrity. Hiring a local chimney professional is essential to ensure a safe and efficient process. Even a partial chimney removal requires knowledge of load-bearing walls, proper sealing, and safe demolition practices. A local professional has the expertise to carry out the work, obtain the necessary permits, and restore your roof once the chimney is removed.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete chimney demolition takes close to five days with a two-person crew; removing only the stack can be completed in half a day. Pros take the structure down brick by brick, add temporary supports if needed, and haul away debris before they leave. Their step-by-step approach safeguards nearby walls and the roof while keeping dust and hazards in check.
Most municipalities require a permit before any part of the chimney comes down. Check with your local building department for the exact fees and paperwork, and confirm any HOA rules that may be applicable. Your structural engineer or chimney professional can obtain the permit on your behalf and ensure that every step complies with local safety and zoning codes.
You can close up your chimney instead of demolishing it. This process involves sealing the damper, installing a chimney cap, and closing the fireplace opening with a secure barrier such as bricks or a door. Closing the chimney maintains the structure while preventing airflow, moisture, and debris entry. This method reduces demolition costs and complies with building code requirements when complete removal is not necessary.
Removing a chimney and switching to modern, eco-friendly alternatives enhances your property’s appeal through increased energy efficiency and potential LEED certification. However, many buyers insist on an operational fireplace, and as a result, removal can reduce overall home value by $5,000. Homeowners should assess market expectations and consult experts to ensure that any changes align with their long-term property goals.
It’s crucial to determine if your chimney is load-bearing before starting removal. Modern homes feature chimneys that are independent of the building’s structure, whereas older homes rely on chimneys for support of critical systems. Review your blueprints or consult a qualified structural engineer to confirm if additional support is necessary. This step ensures safe removal and sound planning.
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