Remodel A Fireplace

Ideas, costs, tips and plans - the information you need for a successful Fireplace Remodeling project

December 2021

Homeowners have many important questions about their Fireplace Remodeling Project. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What problem areas do I need to watch out for? Can I recover my Fireplace Remodeling investment when I sell? Can I do some of the work myself? What can I do to make sure that the work is done right?

Costs, materials and best practices for the example Fireplace Remodeling project will help you answer these questions. Use this information to develop a budget, bid requirements, hiring contracts and a project plan.

Fireplace Remodeling - Project Overview

The approximate costs and value of a typical Fireplace Remodeling project are summarized below. Use higher estimates for larger metropolitan areas and the lower estimates where home prices are below the national average. Adjust costs for substitutions or refinements in the last section. For size differences of up to 25%, scale total costs in direct proportion to the size of your project. Use the adjusted costs as a basis for setting a material budget and for comparing contractor bids (if you choose to have a professional perform the work).

Project descriptionRemodel existing fireplace. Common options include stone or brick refacing and mantel replacement or modernization. Designer extras include custom lighting and storage built ins.
Project sizeBasic fireplace updating
Material and labor cost$2,138 - $2,494
Material cost$608 - $709
Do-it-yourself assessmentThe typical Fireplace Remodeling project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Fireplace Remodeling requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home.
First year Return on Investment - ROIReturns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Fireplace Remodeling project in an appropriate neighborhood can return as much as 77% - 91% of its initial cost.
First year Return on Investment - ROIReturns will be impacted by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Fireplace Remodeling project can return as much as 67% - 78% of its initial cost
Green ratingFireplace Remodeling projects can incorporate renewable or sustainable resources and environmentally friendly materials.

Fireplace Remodeling - Project Plan and Details

The following list includes major work tasks commonly performed during Fireplace Remodeling. Use this list to understand the timing and sequence of different steps in the Fireplace Remodeling project. Click any Task name for a complete written specifications, FAQs and quality checklist for the task - this essential information will help you control Fireplace Remodeling project cost and quality.

Do you expect to spend more than $250 on your Fireplace Remodeling project? If so, it is important create and manage a detailed plan for all project activities.

TaskService ProviderTimeDifficultyBasic Cost Range
Create Design ConceptInterior Designer2 to 15 d$774 - $1,293
Specify MaterialsInterior Designer2 to 15 d$258 - $431
Specify FinishesInterior Designer1 to 2 d$774 - $1,293
Remove TileDemolition Laborer1 d$1.04 - $1.73 per square foot
Install FurringCarpenter1 d$1.86 - $3.21 per square foot
Install Gas LinePlumber1 to 2 d$616 - $1,034
Install Recessed LightingElectrician1 to 3 d$209 - $358
Install DrywallDrywall Contractor1 to 3 d$1.26 - $2.18 per square foot
Texture WallsDrywall Contractor1 to 2 d$0.75 - $1.32 per square foot
Install Venetian PlasterPainting Contractor1 to 3 d$6.70 - $11.68 per square foot
Install Fireplace MantelFinish Carpenter1 d$523 - $926
Install ShelvingFinish Carpenter1 d$16.39 - $27.43 per linear foot
Install Trim MoldingFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d$5.40 - $9.41 per linear foot
Build CabinetsFinish Carpenter1 d$832 - $1,417
Stain And Finish WoodworkPainting Contractor2 to 4 d$4.36 - $7.38 per linear foot
Paint WallPainting Contractor1 to 3 d$1.57 - $2.70 per square foot
Install Granite TileTile Contractor1 d$23.16 - $39.61 per square foot

Fireplace Remodeling - Proven Ideas and Project Tips

Review these tips, design suggestions, options and lessons learned before finalizing your Fireplace Remodeling project plan.

  • To maximize return on the Fireplace Remodeling project, limit cost to no more than 1% of home's total, post project value
  • For best home resale value, follow a consistent design and decorating theme throughout the home
  • To keep Fireplace Remodeling costs low, do not move walls or relocate plumbing fixtures or electrical boxes
  • For best resale value, select a taste neutral design for your Fireplace Remodeling
  • For best resale value, select components, appliances, finishes and fixtures of comparable quality
  • Use separate, individually controllable lighting circuits for ambient and task lighting
  • Add storage access to built-ins used for seating or decoration

Hiring Local Professionals

How to hire a trustworthy pro contractor for your project

Our FREE hiring guide helps you hire wisely, get quality craftsmanship and understand fair pricing for your specific project.



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