Chimney Rebuild Cost Calculator

A chimney rebuild involves demolishing the deteriorated masonry down to sound structure and reconstructing with new brick, mortar, flue liner, and crown. Costs typically range from $4,000 to $15,000 depending on chimney height and flue configuration, making it one of the more significant masonry investments a homeowner will face.

Our free Chimney Rebuild Cost Calculator helps you estimate costs based on 4 key project variables. The calculator provides 2 detailed outputs including cost ranges adjusted for local market conditions.

Enter your ZIP code to get location-specific pricing based on data from local contractors and industry databases as of 2026.

What you'll learn:

• Accurate chimney rebuild cost calculator estimates based on your specific inputs
• Low, average, and high cost ranges for budgeting
• How local factors impact pricing
• Tips for getting the best value on your project

Understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget effectively for your chimney rebuild cost calculator project. Here are the typical cost components:

Our chimney rebuild cost calculator uses a multi-variable formula that accounts for the following inputs:

1. Length (Linear Feet) — Total length in linear feet
2. Quality Level — Material and finish quality
3. Chimney Material — Choose from: Masonry, Metal/Prefab, Natural Stone
4. Work Complexity — Overall scope and complexity of the work involved

Based on your inputs, the calculator provides:

• Estimated Cost — Shows low, average, and high estimates
• Cost per linear ft — Dollar amount based on current market rates

All calculations incorporate location-specific cost adjustments when a ZIP code is provided, using data from industry databases updated for 2026.

Estimates chimney rebuild cost by measuring chimney height above the roofline (typically 2-15 feet), multiplying by the cross-section perimeter in linear brick courses, applying per-brick installed rates ($10-$25 per brick), adding flue liner replacement ($1,500-$4,500 for stainless steel or clay tile), chimney cap and crown pour ($300-$800), flashing integration ($400-$900), and scaffolding rental ($500-$1,500 per day).

Data Sources:

• RSMeans 2024 Masonry Cost Data
• Chimney Safety Institute of America rebuild guidelines
• HomeGuide chimney rebuild project database (8,000+ projects)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics regional wage data for bricklayers

Key Assumptions:

• Existing chimney foundation and below-roofline structure are structurally sound
• Standard clay flue liner or stainless steel liner replacement is included
• Scaffolding is required for chimneys extending more than 5 feet above the roofline

Several factors influence your chimney rebuild cost calculator estimate:

Length (Linear Feet)

Total length in linear feet

Quality Level

Ranges from "Budget / Basic" to "Luxury." Choosing Luxury can cost 3.1x more than Budget / Basic.

Chimney Material

Ranges from "Metal/Prefab" to "Natural Stone." Choosing Natural Stone can cost 1.9x more than Metal/Prefab.

Work Complexity

Ranges from "Simple / Standard" to "Complex / Custom." Choosing Complex / Custom can cost 1.7x more than Simple / Standard.

Geographic Location

Labor rates and material costs vary significantly by region. Urban areas typically have higher costs than rural areas.

Timing & Seasonality

Peak seasons mean higher demand and potentially higher prices. Off-season scheduling can offer savings of 10-20%.

Here's what you can expect at different quality and scope levels for your chimney rebuild cost calculator project:

After you run the calculator, your results include interactive sections that help you make informed decisions:

Cost Breakdown

See exactly where your money goes. The breakdown separates labor, materials, permits, and other cost components — each shown as a dollar amount and percentage of the total project cost. This is especially useful when comparing contractor quotes — if one bid is significantly higher, the breakdown helps you pinpoint why.

Visual Chart

The chart gives you an at-a-glance view of how costs distribute across your chimney rebuild cost calculator project. Visually comparing components makes it easier to spot where the bulk of your budget goes and where small changes in scope or materials could meaningfully shift the total.

Save and Share Your Results

Download your complete results as a CSV spreadsheet or PDF report. The PDF includes all your inputs and key results — ready to share with contractors, service providers, or anyone else who needs to review the numbers. No account or signup required.

Here are proven strategies to reduce your costs:

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed professionals. Prices can vary 20-40% between contractors.
2. Time Your Project: Schedule during off-peak seasons when contractors are less busy. You may get 10-20% lower rates.
3. Choose Mid-Range Materials: Premium materials often cost 2-3x more but may only provide marginal improvements. Mid-range options offer the best value.
4. Bundle Related Projects: If you have multiple projects, bundling them with one contractor can reduce overall costs through volume discounts.
5. Check for Rebates & Incentives: Research local rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives that may offset costs.
6. Negotiate Payment Terms: Some contractors offer discounts for cash payments or flexible financing options. Always ask about available discounts.

Deciding between DIY and hiring a professional depends on several factors:

Our recommendation: For complex projects involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work, we strongly recommend hiring licensed professionals. For cosmetic updates like painting or simple installations, DIY can be a great way to save money.