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\n <\/div>\n \n Selling Your Home Soon?<\/h3>\n
While these curb appeal tips are great for enjoying your own home, they also can help boost buyer interest if you’re selling. Working with a top agent can help identify the best ways to prep, stage, and market your home for a successful sale.<\/p>\n \n
Are fireplaces on the decline?<\/h2>\n
According to Angi, most real estate agents estimate that an indoor or outdoor fireplace adds between $1,000 and $5,000 to a home’s value. However, only about 35% of buyers agreed<\/a>. Nearly a quarter felt a fireplace wasn\u2019t worth more than an extra $1,000, and 23% said they wouldn\u2019t pay anything extra for one.<\/p>\n Fireplaces are becoming less common in US homes, and it’s not just because they\u2019re a hassle to maintain. A big reason for this decline is stricter environmental rules. Many cities, like San Francisco, have started limiting or banning wood-burning fireplaces due to the pollution they produce. The EPA<\/a> has also stepped in, pushing for cleaner air by phasing out older, inefficient wood stoves\u200b.\u200b<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not just about the environment. Homebuyers are less interested in fireplaces these days, especially because of the costs involved in installing and maintaining<\/a> them. Many view fireplaces as outdated and even a liability, with ongoing safety and upkeep concerns. Add to that the fact that fireplaces are inefficient at heating a home (most of the heat escapes up the chimney), and it’s easy to see why alternative heating options like gas or electric inserts are becoming more popular\u200b.<\/p>\n As fireplaces become more of a nostalgic feature than a practical necessity, many homeowners are considering their removal altogether. To guide you through the process, we spoke with Russ Dimmitt, Director of Education at the Chimney Safety Institute of America<\/a>, to help us break down project costs, steps, and the effect it can have on home value.<\/p>\n Full fireplace removal is a complex procedure \u2014 and an expensive one. Removal of a brick fireplace and chimney<\/a> on a load-bearing wall can cost up to $10,000, depending on the size and material. Removal costs vary, depending on several factors, but the average cost is about $4,500.<\/p>\n When deciding between full or partial fireplace removal, costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the work involved. A full removal \u2014 where the entire fireplace stack and breast are demolished, structural supports are installed, and the walls, floors, and roof are repaired \u2014 typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000<\/a>. This higher price tag reflects the complexity and scope of the project, which often includes major structural adjustments to ensure the home remains safe and stable after the fireplace is gone\u200b<\/p>\n On the other hand, a partial removal, which might involve just removing the hearth or closing off the flue without dismantling the entire structure, is more affordable, generally costing between $500 and $2,500<\/a>. This type of removal focuses on a smaller scale, meaning fewer structural repairs are required, making it a less expensive option for homeowners who only want to eliminate part of the fireplace without going through a full demolition\u200b.<\/p>\n The larger the chimney or the more stories a home has, the more complex the removal process, leading to higher costs. Bigger chimneys require more work, and that extra effort can increase the price. What might not be as obvious is that a larger chimney also means more debris to remove, which can add to the overall cost. Contractors typically need to rent a dumpster for the debris<\/a> removal, with an average cost of about $570<\/a>, though this can vary based on location and rental duration\u200b<\/p>\n A brick chimney<\/a> typically costs more to remove than a metal one, primarily due to the heavier debris that must be cleared away. Masonry, brick, and stone fireplaces, which are \u201csite-built,\u201d create a lot of debris, dust, and dirt when they\u2019re removed, Dimmitt says. In contrast, factory-built fireplaces are made from metal, which makes them easier to remove. \u201cThey\u2019re an appliance and, like an appliance, are built to be replaceable. They have a shorter lifespan,\u201d Dimmitt continues. These metal fireplaces are often replaced with newer models once they reach the end of their lifespan.<\/p>\n The location of your chimney plays a significant role in the cost of removal. If the chimney is positioned in the middle of your home or is part of a structural component<\/a>, like a load-bearing wall, the complexity \u2014 and cost \u2014 of removal increases. Removing a load-bearing wall, for example, requires careful planning and often the expertise of a structural engineer to ensure the building’s stability after the fireplace is gone.<\/p>\n The national average cost of hiring a residential structural engineer is about $552<\/a>, with most people paying between $344 and $775. However, the cost can reach as high as $1,500, depending on the project’s scope. That said, Dimmitt notes that most modern building codes restrict fireplaces from being load-bearing structures, which can help reduce the need for extensive engineering work in many cases.<\/p>\nFireplace removal costs<\/h2>\n
Full vs. partial fireplace removal: cost breakdown<\/h3>\n
Chimney size matters<\/h3>\n
Materials<\/h3>\n
How chimney location affects cost<\/h3>\n