Building a fireplace and chimney can be costly, but it’s worth it.
When you think about those cozy winter nights in front of your brand-new fireplace, and the fact that real estate agents have reported that fireplaces can add anywhere between $1,000 and $4,999 to your home’s value (especially in colder climes), it can be seen as an investment and a luxury.
If you’re in a hurry, the average cost to build a fireplace is between $1,050 to $3,780, but it can vary based on various factors, including what type of fireplace it is, what size you need, and where you buy it.
In this guide, we will help you understand how much it will cost to build a fireplace and chimney in your home.
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How Much does it Cost to Build a Fireplace and Chimney?
How much does it cost to build a fireplace including a flue, vent, or chimney?
To install a fireplace, it costs between $100 and $5,600, depending on the type of fireplace you choose.
- If you choose to install a wood-burning stove, it will cost you between $1,800 and $3,500
- If you choose to install a gas fireplace, it will cost you between $2,300 and $4000
- If you choose to install an electric fireplace, it will cost between $100 and $2,300
- If you choose to install a masonry fireplace, it will cost between $3,500 and $6,000
This means the most expensive option would be to build a masonry fireplace, and the cheapest option would be an electric or wood-burning stove.
Other Costs:
While you may think you only need to pay for a fireplace and chimney, there are other costs involved, including the cost of labor. Installation for some types of fireplace can cost more because more labor is required. For example, the labor cost for installing a wood-burning fireplace is close to $2,180, but for electric, it is around $230. Special ventilation and noncombustible wall coverings are required when installing a wood-burning stove which can increase the cost to between $3000 and $4000.
Wiring:
Many homeowners believe you only need electrical wiring to run an electric fireplace, but that isn’t the case. You will also need electrical wiring for many gas and wood-burning stoves. Electrical wiring can add around $140 to $200 to the installation cost.
Ventilation:
Any wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or combustible gas fireplaces will require proper ventilation and will always have to meet local building codes. Ventilation can cost extra, but the cost depends on whether there is any existing ventilation. If not finished properly, smoke and toxic fumes can seep into the home, which endangers you and other residents.
Masonry Fireplaces
A masonry fireplace is also known as a traditional wood-burning fireplace that is made of stone, brick etc. These are often the most expensive due to the work that goes into building them. On average, they can cost between $3,500 and $5,600, but they can cost up to $10,000, depending on the size, style and availability of your chosen stone.
Open-hearth fireplaces, like the kind you might see in a ski chalet, usually cost upwards of $20,000 and are built by professional stonemasons. This is more expensive because of the labor costs for a highly skilled, professional stonemason and the required materials.
Traditional masonry chimneys can cost between $100 and $200 per linear foot to install. However, engineered chimneys can cost around $60 to $100 per linear foot. The average cost for a 10’ chimney can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or $600 to $1,000 depending on which you choose.
Wood Fireplaces
Wood-burning prefabricated fireplaces with an open face (including installing a 9”-24” tall chimney) costs around $2,500 to install. The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace with a closed-face design is around $3,500 to $7,500. These types of fireplaces tend to be more environmentally friendly and produce more heat.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are usually more popular because they not only require less maintenance, but they are also cheaper. Prefabricated gas fireplaces cost around $2,000. However, they need to be installed by a professional with a gas license and this can cost $5,000 or more. One key benefit of a gas fireplace is that it only requires a small exhaust pipe instead of a full chimney. This saves money because an exhaust pipe can cost between $500 to $1,000, which is far less than a chimney.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces do not burn anything or have real flames, so they do not need a chimney installation or ventilation systems, which makes them the cheapest option. They plug into the wall and range in price from $150 to $1,000.
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Adding a fireplace and chimney to your home can be costly, but it is worth it since they can add between $1000 to $5000 in value to your home. Not to mention that it will help keep your home a lot warmer on those cold winter nights, add a secondary fuel source (if you already have central heating), and provide an aesthetic focal point within your home.
We hope this helps, and for everything else home heating stick with CosyWarmer.com