How Much Does Chimney Removal Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Chimney removal costs homeowners an average of $4,500, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, although most chimney removal projects range between $2,000 and $10,000. Factors such as chimney size, location, materials, and labor influence the total cost. Labor is usually the most significant expense, with demolition crews charging $50 to $100 per hour. Hiring chimney professionals to handle your chimney removal is critical in making sure the job is done correctly and safely, without jeopardizing your home’s structural integrity.

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 removal cost. Larger or taller chimneys require more time for deconstruction and disposal, making them more expensive to remove than smaller, shorter ones.

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.

If the fireplace is on a load-bearing wall or acts as a foundational structure for your home, you‘ll have to pay substantially more to install structural support and reinforcement after removal.

Material

The materials comprising your chimney affect removal costs. Heavy materials like cement and brick increase time and labor requirements, leading to higher costs. In contrast, prefabricated or metal chimneys are less expensive to remove due to their lighter weight.

Labor

Hiring a structural engineer for a professional consultation, averaging $525, is essential before removing a chimney. The engineer assesses whether additional structural support is needed post-removal to maintain your home's stability. 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 $200 to $800 per week.

Permits

Permits are often required for chimney removal, depending on the project's scope. A structural engineer can confirm if a permit is necessary. Permit costs range from $20 to $150, varying by municipality.

Asbestos Removal

Fireplaces built before 1980 often contain asbestos, which can be a serious health hazard if improperly handled. The average cost to hire an asbestos removal crew ranges from $75 to $350 per hour.

Chimney Removal Cost by Part

Depending on your needs, you can choose to remove only the chimney stack or breast, or opt for a full demolition. Each option has different cost implications.

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

Before initiating a chimney project, assess whether removal or repair best suits your home's needs, considering 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 typically 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, averaging $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 potential buyers' preferences.

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 benefit from lower labor rates.

• Evaluate whether repairing the chimney is a more cost-effective option than removal.

DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Professional

Attempting chimney removal as a DIY project is not recommended for many reasons, including safety and the potential to cause costly problems, including damaging your home’s structural integrity. Hiring a local chimney professional ensures optimal results and a safe removal process.

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.