Looking into replacing a prefabricated chimney

[TotaNewb]

Hi!

I was curious about what the ballpark cost for replacing a prefab chimney could be. The home I am in has a older wood burning fireplace that is a prefabricated unit. We received only one estimate so far but it was $10,000-13,000 and after some quick google fu that just seems to be way overpriced. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as to what kind of replacement would be ideal. As my username subtly hints I am a total newbie at this and just want to look into something that my family could enjoy.

Some things to consider as per an inspection & estimate

• Fireplace is currently in the basement of a ranch
• Chimney is Prefabricated
• Holes in the liner
• Water getting into the masonry
• Flue is rusted
• Firebox is deteriorated
• Just moved in so not in a huge rush to get this done for this winter, I already have plenty of other projects for now.

Any advice as would be appreciated in order to get the most of this amazing feature of my new home. Growing up in Brooklyn NY I didn't think I would be able to come home on a cold winter night and enjoy a nice fire and a good book.

Thanks again!

 

[jatoxico]

Maybe someone can give you an intelligent response but I think you should try to post some interior and exterior pics so the experts can really understand what you got and make some suggestions.

 

[begreen]

Is the $10-13K quote for replacing the fireplace and chimney? If so, that could be right depending on the replacement ZC fireplace model and difficulty of the job.

 

[Simonkenton]

Are you talking about completely removing the old prefab unit, and building a new all masonry fireplace and chimney instead?

 

[TotaNewb]

Thanks everyone for your speedy replies. Here are the only 2 pictures that I have immediately available. The fireplace is in the basement and the chimney has some tar flashing near the roof as well as steel bands to help secure it to be home.




I will try I get more pics as needed. Thank you again for your patience and input.

 

[begreen]

Please explain the quote better. Is the $10-13K quote for replacing the fireplace and chimney?

 

[TotaNewb]

Please explain the quote better. Is the $10-13K quote for replacing the fireplace and chimney?

Yes, the 10-13k is for a new fireplace box and new chimney. the way I understand it is that it's a 1 unit piece that they will replace in full. We're wondering if there are other options than just replacing it. Perhaps a gas unit is a possibility?

 

[TotaNewb]

Are you talking about completely removing the old prefab unit, and building a new all masonry fireplace and chimney instead?

Yes, the quote seems to be for removing the prefab unit (fireplace and chimney) and replacing it with a new prefab. Are there other options?

 

[jatoxico]

From a distance it seems like you could put a stove on the hearth (maybe have to add to it) and run a new liner up the existing chimney. That and a budget for a few repairs to the masonry chimney ought to be a lot less than the quote you got and you'll have a proper heater.

 

[begreen]

Gas logs might be an option if the house already has natural gas. What is the goal, ambience or real heating, heating cost reduction?

 

[TotaNewb]

From a distance it seems like you could put a stove on the hearth (maybe have to add to it) and run a new liner up the existing chimney. That and a budget for a few repairs to the masonry chimney ought to be a lot less than the quote you got and you'll have a proper heater.

Thanks! you're in the same region as us. do you have someone you can recommend for that type of work?

 

[TotaNewb]

Gas logs might be an option if the house already has natural gas. What is the goal, ambience or real heating, heating cost reduction?

There is gas in the house already. At first we were just happy to have a fire place, but we do like the idea of it being more functional than just ambience, hence the thought of going gas.

 

[jatoxico]

Thanks! you're in the same region as us. do you have someone you can recommend for that type of work?

Not really. You need to look for a CSIA certified installer. I recommend taking the time to do some research and give some more info like square footage of house, length of existing chimney etc.

Did the old fire place draft OK? Basement installs can be tricky so you want to take steps to give yourself the best chance for success. Another on-site evaluation with your new ideas might be a good idea to see if this feasible, there's still some things to consider.

 

[begreen]

There is gas in the house already. At first we were just happy to have a fire place, but we do like the idea of it being more functional than just ambience, hence the thought of going gas.

Gas logs are a possibility as is putting a freestanding stove (wood or gas) in front of the fireplace. The later option will depend on the fireplace opening height above the hearth. The opening has to be higher than the top of the flue collar on the stove.

The quote you got sounds appropriate for replacement of the current unit with a modern EPA wood fireplace. The current fireplace and chimney would need to be removed and replaced.

 

[bholler]

Gas logs are a possibility

no gas logs need a functioning chimney and firebox. If it is as bad as he says gas logs are not an option either. And honestly if it is deteriorated that bad I would not install a stove through it either.

 

[begreen]

I don't like them but vent free logs not an option?

 

[begreen]

If you are ok with a gas fireplace then it would be worth getting a couple quotes. Even with a full replacement a gas fireplace may end up costing less due to lower chimney and fireplace costs. The labor I expect will be close to the same.

 

[jatoxico]

no gas logs need a functioning chimney and firebox. If it is as bad as he says gas logs are not an option either. And honestly if it is deteriorated that bad I would not install a stove through it either.

That's a bit of a guess right now no?

 

[begreen]

That's a bit of a guess right now no?

The OP indicated it's in sad shape.

• Holes in the liner
• Water getting into the masonry
• Flue is rusted
• Firebox is deteriorated

 

[jatoxico]

The OP indicated it a in sad shape.

• Holes in the liner
• Water getting into the masonry
• Flue is rusted
• Firebox is deteriorated

Yeah but that could just be the cap is shot. If the chimney is saveable and an insulated liner is installed it would be OK right?

 

[begreen]

Maybe, not sure what the chimney requirement is for vented gas logs, but I would assume low temp. It's unknown what has deteriorated in the firebox. Without eyes there on the issues it's hard to know how serious the situation really is. But yes, it could be the top cap is galvanized and has started rusting through and that is the root cause of these issues.

 

[bholler]

Yeah but that could just be the cap is shot. If the chimney is saveable and an insulated liner is installed it would be OK right?

not by the description the op gave they said

• Holes in the liner

• Water getting into the masonry

• Flue is rusted

• Firebox is deteriorated

If that is true it is time to tear it our and replace it with something

I don't like them but vent free logs not an option?

Nope still needs a good box. But like you said we cant see it so it may not be as bad as it sounds

 

[jatoxico]

Without eyes there on the issues it's hard to know how serious the situation really is.

Yes that's all I meant.

 

[bholler]

Yes that's all I meant.

Yeah but at this point we have to go by the original description.

 

[mitchell721]

Unless I'm missing it. Did a certified sweep look at it. Or did you see something and called out someone that does installs and trying to just get the work out of it. I mean it's always worth a second or third opinion. Really for that price I would start looking at taking it out and installing a stand alone stove


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