Cost to Open Up Fireplace

The cost of opening up a fireplace can vary. Factors that can influence how much you will pay include how much structural work, if needed, whether you need to make changes to your chimney and the kind of fireplace you want.

Read on to find out more about what to expect if you’re thinking about opening up a fireplace for a log burner or another installation, and how to find and hire a local builder.

How Much Does It Cost to Open Up a Fireplace?

More and more homeowners in the UK are choosing to open up their fireplaces.

Opening up a fireplace comes with a number of benefits and can make your space more functional and welcoming. Many people have been opening up their fireplaces to install wood burners for extra warmth, character and ambience.

So, how much does it cost to reopen a fireplace?

The average cost to completely open up a fireplace is £1,000.

Fireplace Opening Prices

The cost of opening a fireplace can vary a lot.

Some of the main factors that influence the price of opening up a fireplace include:

• The size of the fireplace
• The fireplace's age
• How you intend to use the fireplace (fully-functional or decorative)

Here's an overview of costs based on different scenarios:

One of the biggest influences on how much you’ll pay is whether the fireplace was originally boarded up.

In some cases, some of the old surround or insert will still be visible, but in most cases, this will no longer be present, and the opening will have been boarded or bricked up.

You can expect to pay less if the opening has been boarded up rather than bricked over.

Supply Costs

There are quite a few costs that you may need to think about if you wish to open up your fireplace.

You might need to cover the costs of a hearth, lintels, fire surrounds, and flue liners, to give a few examples.

Here are the costs you are likely to encounter:

Opening Up a Fireplace Supply Costs

The materials you want to use can also have a big influence on cost.

There can be big differences between the costs of materials like stone, brick and cast iron. You can expect to pay more if you’re interested in higher-end finishes and designs.

Additional Costs

When you’re opening up a fireplace, or moving a fireplace, you’ll also need to think about potential extra costs that you might face beyond the main installation.

Structural Engineer Survey

Depending on your scenario, you might need to pay for a building inspection to make sure that the structure is safe. This is especially important if you need to carry out extra work, like reinforcing your chimney or walls.

A structural engineer will charge between £200 and £400 for this service.

Chimney Costs

If you're planning on using your fireplace, rather than having it as a decorative feature, you'll need to budget for additional chimney costs:

• Chimney sweeping costs £95, and is critical before you use your fireplace.
• Chimney liners cost around £800, and are essential if you're going to be burning wood, coal, or gas.
• Chimney capping costs £150 to £250 per chimney pot, and helps stop water ingress and wildlife from entering your chimney.

Ventilation and Flue Liners

You might also need to add a ventilation system for safety and efficiency, as well as install a flue liner if you’re adding a wood burner or open fire.

The purpose of a flue liner is to make sure that smoke and dangerous gases are sent outside. A flue liner can protect your home from fire hazards and make your heating appliance more efficient.

How much you will pay for a flue liner can depend on the size of the chimney and the kind of liner you want, but typically costs between £600 and £1,200, depending on finish. Popular options include clay and stainless steel.

Labour Costs and Timescales

There are a few factors that can influence what you’ll pay in labour:

• The project's complexity - Whether you're fully opening a fireplace, or just adjusting for decorative use)
• Your location - You may pay more if there are fewer tradespeople in your area to carry out the work)

Let's look at some average project durations:

Opening Up Fireplace Timescales

If you only need a basic fireplace opening, this may only take 1 day.

The tradespeople will need to assess your space, remove blockages and get rid of any debris.

However, the job could take an additional couple of days if you want to add additional features like a wood burner or ventilation system.

The extra time should ensure that everything is installed carefully and efficiently, with all safety regulations being met and the project being completed to a high standard.

Cost Factors for Opening up a Fireplace

Here’s a list of the main cost factors you need to think about when opening up a fireplace:

• Size of the existing chimney - The taller your chimney, the longer it'll take to work on.
• Structural condition - If you have a damaged, old chimney, expect your timescales to extend as the job's complexity increases.
• Fireplace type and material finishes - Simple fireplace designs and budget materials will cost less than premium decorative features.
• Flue liner installation and ventilation - To meet building regulations, flue liners and ventilation will be required.
• Building inspections - Structural changes will incur additional fees for structural inspections before work can be carried out.
• Waste removal - If you're removing an old fireplace, you'll need to pay for the waste removal.
• Labour costs - Labour charges vary from location to location, with higher charges in London and the surrounding areas.

Building Regulations Linked to Opening up Fireplaces

When you’re opening up a fireplace, you’ll have to comply with specific building regulations and planning permissions for safety and compliance reasons.

All fireplace openings need to meet strict safety criteria under Part J of the regulations.

The chimney must be in good condition, structurally sound, and of a sufficient height to provide safe ventilation. If the chimney isn’t tall enough, it might cause insufficient ventilation and the dangerous build-up of fumes.

Your chimney might need to be inspected for structural integrity to meet local building regulations, and lined with a suitable flue liner for the appliance you’re installing.

While you often won't need planning permission to open up a fireplace, you may need it if:

• You're changing the structure of your chimney
• You live in a listed building
• Your property is part of a conservation area

In all cases, you’ll need to comply with all relevant regulations to keep yourself and others safe, whilst maintaining the value and integrity of the property. All work must be signed off by Building Control or a registered installer.

Types of Fireplaces to Open Up

There are many options available to you when it comes to opening up a fireplace:

Decorative Fireplaces

Decorative fireplaces can be incredible focal points, and can feature exceptional designs and fascinating historical features, but not all of them work well for heating.

Although you may pay less for a decorative fireplace, it might not give you what you need in terms of heating efficiency.

Wood-burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves are another option and can help you create a wonderful atmosphere, and enjoy the warmth you’re seeking at the same time.

Open Fires

Open fires can also be very atmospheric, but can need more extensive work for safety and efficiency reasons.

Wood-burning stoves and open fires can cost you more because of the structural work they need to help you comply with safety regulations.

Alternative Types of Fireplaces

If you’re thinking about installing another kind of fireplace, you can choose from stylish and convenient electric and bioethanol fireplaces.

These have become popular amongst people looking for efficient and aesthetically pleasing solutions that don’t require them to make big changes to their homes.

Electric fireplaces don’t need ventilation, which means they can be great for homes that don’t have chimneys.

Bioethanol fireplaces use renewable bioethanol fuel to make real flames. You don’t need flues or chimneys to install these because they only emit carbon dioxide and water vapour.

Benefits of Opening Up a Fireplace

Aesthetically Pleasing

An open fireplace can be an amazing centrepiece within your space, whether you’re restoring a fireplace or creating a brand-new one.

It can make your home feel much more ambient, with the look and sound of flickering flames keeping your space welcoming throughout the colder months of the year.

Opening them up means you can make the most of your property's original features, and enjoy the craftsmanship which originally went into creating your home. Reopening a fireplace can also improve the way that air circulates around your property.

Heat Generation

Another great reason for opening up a fireplace is that you can use it for a practical heating solution, like a wood-burning stove, or an open hearth.

It can help you cut your reliance on your central heating and help you stay warm when it’s cold outside.

Value-Adding Benefits

Another reason why so many people are opening up their fireplaces is to add value to their properties.

A fireplace can be an incredibly desirable feature, and the amount you pay to open up your fireplace can be greatly eclipsed by how much value it adds to your home.

Sustainable Option

Opening up a fireplace can also be a great idea if you want to run your home in a more sustainable way.

You can keep your space warm by using a wood burner and sourcing the wood from responsible local suppliers. Many people move into homes that have gorgeous original fireplaces that just need a little work to look beautiful again.

Removing or Restoring a Fireplace

Removing a fireplace can be a big job, and you’ll need to pay not only for the removal itself but also for debris disposal costs. Once the fireplace has been taken out, you might also need to pay to repair nearby walls and floors.

The costs of repairing a fireplace can vary depending on its condition and the finish that you want. Simple finishing can be inexpensive, but you can find yourself paying a lot more if you need to carry out extensive repairs. These repairs tend to require a great deal of skill and experience.

Checklist: Hiring a Builder to Open Up a Fireplace in the UK

Here's what we suggest when you're looking for a local builder:

• Gather at least 3 quotes from different builders near you using MyJobQuote.
• Get clear, itemised quotes, so there are no hidden costs.
• Check certifications, including HETAS certification for solid fuel installations, or Gas Safe registered status for gas installations.
• Ask about warranties or guarantees on the labour or parts.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/blog/how-to-open-up-fireplace-guide/
https://www.direct-fireplaces.com/our-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-opening-up-an-old-fireplace/