How Much Does It Cost to Remodel Your Fireplace?

If you are reading this article, you probably already know that a fireplace is a great feature that can help reduce heating costs and boost your home’s ambiance. When properly maintained, a fireplace can last for a lifetime. However, there are times when remodeling your fireplace is necessary.

Like any home improvement project, remodeling a fireplace costs money. Still, it is often a worthwhile endeavor when you consider that it can help enhance the appearance of and add value to your existing home.  

The cost of redoing a fireplace will largely depend on several factors, like the types of materials used and labor costs. In this article, we will break down the costs of an average fireplace remodeling job, so you can determine if now is the right time for you to remodel your fireplace.

The Average Cost of Redoing a Fireplace

A fireplace renovation may involve several tasks, including mortar repair, façade alterations, or entire chimney reconstructions. As a result, the actual cost of a fireplace remodeling job will largely depend on what tasks need to be done.

On average, a homeowner can pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to redo a fireplace. This gap reflects both the extent and the type of job required. Minor fireplace repairs with a nice facelift and upgrade will likely cost around $500. For something more significant, like installing a wood stove or replacing an entire chimney, it might cost upwards of $2,000.

The Cost of Mortar Repair

Thankfully, mortar is durable and may last more than 25 years, but temperature changes may cause any mortar around your fireplace bricks to expand, contract, and ultimately crack. Water leaks may also damage mortar. If you suspect mortar damage and catch it quickly, it can be repaired by a professional affordably or as a DIY project for under $50.

The Cost of Refacing Your Fireplace

If you’re looking to give your fireplace a facelift, you can expect to pay around $1,000 on average. Still, the final cost of a fireplace façade replacement will ultimately depend on the size of the fireplace and the types of materials you choose. This next section will outline the costs of materials commonly used in fireplace restorations.  

Concrete and Stucco

Concrete and stucco are the most affordable materials on the market that you can use to reface a fireplace. While concrete is undoubtedly cost-effective, it certainly won’t look as great as tile or other materials. Stucco fireplaces can be built for a relatively low cost, and one significant benefit is that stucco and concrete are highly customizable in shape and color.  

Wood

Wood fireplaces can give a room a warm and natural feel. Many wood types can be used in refacing a fireplace and vary in cost. For example, 1-inch pine can cost around $1 a foot, while exotic woods like mahogany and walnut can cost more than $12 a foot. Leaving the wood fireplace unfinished can give it a rustic look, while staining or painting can offer a more crisp and modern feel.

Masonry Veneer

Manufactured masonry veneers mimic the look of actual stone and brick. It is especially popular with NJ interior design because of the many varieties available, including:

• Brick veneer: approximately $96/sq.ft.
• Cobblestone veneer: approximately $34/sq.ft.
• Limestone veneer: approximately $50/sq.ft.
• Marble veneer: approximately $90/sq.ft.

Tile

A very common fireplace material is tile. Tile is popular because it offers a range of design, color, and cost options. The cost of fireplace tile will range from under $1 a square foot up to in excess of $15 a square foot. More expensive tiles, like mosaic tiles, can cost as much as $30 to $50 a square foot.

Stone

Stone is another popular fireplace refacing material. Popular stones include slate, granite, quartz, and soapstone. Stone is typically more expensive than most other types of fireplace refacing materials. Granite and quartz, for example, can be as much as $50 a square foot. Depending on patterns and hues, soapstone and slate can cost more than $70 a square foot.

The Cost of Replacing Your Fireplace Mantle

A new fireplace mantle can be an excellent appearance refresher for your fireplace. Installing unfinished hardwood fireplace mantles and surrounds can cost around $1,500 with materials and labor.

The Cost of a Fireplace Repair

To ensure that your fireplace is in optimum working condition, you should have it inspected. Once inspected, you might find that fireplace repairs are in order. All fireplace repairs should be made before or as part of your fireplace renovation. The general cost can be anywhere between $165 and $815, depending on the work that needs to be performed.

This next section will address the costs of some of the most common fireplace repairs.

The Cost of a Firebox Repair

A typical firebox repair can cost up to $750. If your stone firebox requires repair, it can cost as much as $2,500.

The Cost of a Brick Chimney Repair

Brick chimney repairs vary greatly with costs that range from $150 to $1,000. Removing and replacing cracked bricks can cost between $20 and $30 per each brick. Average costs of crown repairs are between $600 and $1,000. 

The Cost of Labor

Although some homeowners choose to handle NJ fireplace remodeling jobs on their own, it is usually advised that you consider hiring a contractor to do the work for you. Many fireplace contractors will charge around $125 an hour for a fireplace repair job.

The Cost of a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation

Whenever you have a fireplace present in your home, a carbon monoxide alarm is not only essential but usually required by law. The installation of a carbon monoxide alarm will increase the total cost of your fireplace redo by $50 or more.

Permit Costs

Depending on where you live and the extent of your work, you may be required to get a building permit. Be sure to set a few hundred bucks aside to cover the cost of the permit.

Redoing Your Fireplace in New Jersey

The folks at Interior Excellence create happy homes, and they have served countless satisfied customers in New Jersey with fireplace reconstruction and repair for three decades. Contact Interior Excellence today to find out how our interior remodeling experts can help you.