Updated June 25, 2025
Thinking about removing part of your chimney? Whether you're updating your home, dealing with damage, or just don’t use your fireplace anymore, partial chimney removal is a project that comes with some important questions, especially around cost.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how much partial chimney removal typically costs, what factors can drive the price up or down, and why hiring a pro is usually the smartest (and safest) way to go. If you’re wondering whether this is a DIY job or something better left to the experts, you’re in the right place.
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Average Cost of Partial Chimney Removal
The average price of a partial chimney removal is $500-$4,000. Removing a small section, like just the chimney stack above the roofline, is $500-$2,000 on average. Removing a chimney breast, which is the part inside the home, is $1,500-$4,000.
The cost of full chimney removal averages between $2,500-$7,500. Partial chimney removal offers homeowners a cost-effective alternative to full removal with additional benefits.
Read more: Introduction to Chimney Removal
Benefits of Opting for a Partial Chimney Removal
1. Save Money
If you’re looking to update your home while keeping costs down, partial chimney removal is a great option. Instead of tearing out the entire chimney system, including the stack, breast, flue, and possibly the fireplace, you can simply remove the chimney stack, which is the part that extends above your roof.
This approach is much more affordable. The average cost to remove just the chimney stack ranges from $500-$2,000, while a full chimney removal can cost $2,500-$7,500 or more. Since it involves less labor, fewer materials, and minimal disruption inside the home, you’ll likely save thousands by going the partial route.
All that’s typically required after removing the stack is to patch the roof properly, making it a quicker and simpler project that still gets the job done.
2. Reserve the Option to Restore
Even though fewer new homes are being built with fireplaces, the demand for them, especially in resale, hasn’t gone away. In fact, homes with fireplaces often attract more buyers and can sell for more money, particularly in colder regions.
If you don’t use your fireplace or are remodeling your space, removing the chimney stack might make sense. But by keeping the interior chimney breast intact, you leave the door open to restore the fireplace later on, either for your own enjoyment or to boost your home’s resale value.
Going with a complete chimney removal means any future homeowner who wants a fireplace would need to install an entirely new system from scratch, which can be expensive and may turn them away. On the other hand, partial chimney removal gives future buyers the flexibility to rebuild just the chimney stack, which is far less involved.
Many real estate agents agree that eliminating a fireplace entirely can reduce your home’s appeal by as much as $4,000, especially in areas where fireplaces are seen as cozy, desirable features. Partial removal helps you modernize your home without permanently removing this valuable option.
3. Minimize the Risk of Structural Damage
Chimneys aren’t just decorative, they’re often a part of the framework of your home. In many older houses, the chimney breast—the part inside the wall—may be load-bearing, which means it helps support floors or walls above it.
When you choose total chimney removal, you’re dealing with more than just tearing out bricks. If the chimney is built into your home’s structure, removing it incorrectly or without proper reinforcements can lead to serious issues like cracked walls, sagging floors, or long-term structural instability.
If you’re working with a licensed contractor, they’ll be able to assess the structure, install necessary supports, and complete the work safely. But if you're going the DIY route or using an unqualified contractor, removing a load-bearing chimney breast can cause more problems than it solves.
That’s why partial chimney removal is often the safer and simpler solution. By just removing the chimney stack—the part that extends above the roof—you can avoid major structural changes inside your home while still achieving your renovation goals.
4. Stay On Trend
Fireplaces continue to be a popular feature in real estate, and not just for their function. Even non-working or purely decorative fireplaces add charm, character, and a cozy focal point that many homebuyers love.
While a fully functional fireplace may add the most value, many buyers are still drawn to the look and feel of a fireplace, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. As new construction homes move away from including fireplaces altogether, older homes that still have a chimney breast or fireplace surround are becoming more appealing.
By choosing partial chimney removal, you preserve that decorative potential. Removing only the chimney stack allows you to modernize the exterior without sacrificing the interior charm that buyers find so inviting. If you ever decide to sell, that stylish feature could help your home stand out in a crowded market.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
If you're handy with tools, it might be tempting to take on a partial chimney removal yourself. While DIY is possible in some cases, there are several important reasons to hire a professional chimney removal contractor instead.
1. It’s Safer
Working on a roof brings obvious physical risks, especially if you're not experienced with heights or demolition work. Professionals have the right equipment, training, and safety protocols to handle chimney stack removal without putting themselves, or your home, at risk.
2. You Could Accidentally Cause Structural Damage
One of the biggest dangers of DIY chimney removal is not knowing whether the chimney stack is supporting any part of the roof or framing. If reinforcement is needed and skipped, you could compromise your home's structural integrity. Fixing those mistakes later could cost far more than hiring a pro in the first place.
3. It’s Faster and More Efficient
An experienced contractor can usually complete a partial chimney removal, especially just the chimney stack, within a single business day. That means less disruption to your routine and faster progress toward your home improvement goals.
4. It May Be More Cost-Effective Than DIY
While it may seem like a money-saving move, DIY demolition often comes with hidden costs: tool rentals, debris disposal, roof patching materials, and, in some cases, repairs from mistakes. A licensed chimney removal expert will handle everything efficiently and leave you with peace of mind that the job was done right.
Important Note: Chimney removal might look simple from the ground, but it requires knowledge of roof systems, home structure, and safe demolition practices. Unless you have prior experience with major home improvement projects, feel confident working on a roof, and have help on-site, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to remove your chimney safely and efficiently.
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