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Fireplace Removal Services
Let’s face it, a fireplace might not be as beautiful and functional as it once was. Maybe it’s a big brick one that takes up half of your living room or an inefficient wood burner you never use. When heavy masonry or load-bearing chimneys are involved, removing a fireplace can be a challenging structural task. We can help with that.
Our professionals handle everything from the required permits and structural engineering to patching your wall and roof. Our specialty is safely removing a fireplace in areas like Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington, which allows you to add more design elements to your living area.
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Full-Service Fireplace & Chimney Removal Process
Structural & Safety First: “Is my chimney holding up my house?” is a question you may have. The answer is yes for a lot of older homes. We begin every project with a non-negotiable structural assessment, especially for solid masonry structures. This tells you whether your fireplace is capable of bearing weight. If it is, we bring in the supports and steel lintels before any demolition begins.
Certified Utility Capping: The crucial step to safety with an electric fireplace or gas fireplace insert is to cap the line and turn off the electricity. Gas lines and electrical wiring should only be permanently disconnected and sealed by qualified, licensed professionals. We safeguard your house and maintain compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
Clean & Controlled Demolition: No one wants to live in a house filled with brick dust and soot. Containment is the main goal of our demolition procedure. To separate the work area, we utilize robust dust barriers and negative air pressure systems.
Complete Restoration & Finish: Until your room looks as if the fireplace never existed, the service isn’t complete. To rebuild the wall to a smooth, paint-safe look, we professionally repair the interior plaster and drywall.
Fireplace Removal and Restoration Services
- Chimney stack removal
- Demolish chimney breast
- Support structural walls
- Cap gas lines
- Disconnect all utilities
- Remove wood stoves
- Haul away heavy brick
- Dust-controlled demolition
- Restore interior drywall
- Patch roof seamlessly
- Replace damaged flooring
- Remove masonry hearth
- Manage building permits
- Certified structural check
- Remove all debris
- Residential fireplace experts
- Clean safe service
- Fireplace insert removal
- Full wall flattening
- Protect your home
Remodeling Your Home After Removing Fireplace
Creating a totally new space involves removing an outdated fireplace and reclaiming valuable square footage, and creating a new contemporary design. We see a blank canvas for your house remodeling. We know trust is necessary when hiring a contractor to make a structural change. Our skilled crew brings decades of renovation experience to every chimney fireplace demolition project, and they are fully licensed and insured.
- Design Consultation: Now that the fireplace is removed, what should be done? We’ll discuss your remodeling goals, whether they involve adding an accent wall, installing a modern entertainment center, or just expanding your home space.
- Wall & Floor Finish: We offer complete finishing services to get the room ready for paint, wallpaper, or any new flooring installation without leaving any trace that the fireplace was ever there. We blend the freshly patched drywall and subfloor with your existing surfaces.
- Redefining New Space: We assist you in conceptualizing the bigger area. The flow and purpose of living spaces are improved when the chimney breast is removed, which results in an additional 50 to 100 square feet of usable space.
- Investing In Your Home: Removing an outdated, unused fireplace also removes all the related maintenance expenses and possible problems like creosote build-up or drafting, guaranteeing your freshly renovated area will be worry-free for many years to come.
Common Questions About Fireplace Removal
What is the typical cost to remove a fireplace?
We really can’t give you an exact figure until we see the job because the price can vary significantly from one house to another! A thorough on-site assessment is the only way to obtain a reliable quote because even seemingly straightforward projects can quickly become complex.
A number of important factors will determine your final price:
- Demolition Scope: Are you taking down the entire structure, including the external chimney stack, the interior hearth and chimney breast, or just a small gas insert?
- Structural Complexity: Is the chimney a load-bearing wall or is it supporting the roof? Steel supports must be installed, and a structural engineer must be brought in.
- Fireplace Material: A lightweight prefabricated metal unit is less expensive to demolish and transport than heavy masonry (brick, stone, and concrete).
- Needs for Utility Capping: Is it necessary to employ a qualified specialist to securely disconnect and cap an electrical component or gas line?
- Scope of Restoration: What degree of subsequent repair is required? Complete wall and subfloor repairs, as well as patching the roof where the chimney once stood.
- Requirements for Permits: Securing the required municipal permits for structural work in your area is included in the final cost.
- Hidden Hazards: If older materials, such as asbestos, are found in the chimney flue or flashing, they must be removed by a qualified professional, which adds to the expense.
The best course of action is to schedule a free consultation so that we can give you a comprehensive, detailed quote!
How long does the fireplace removal process take?
The time it takes depends entirely on the size of the job.
- Simple Insert: Removing a small gas or electric insert and capping the lines usually takes less than one full day.
- Partial Demolition (Breast only): Tearing out the chimney breast and hearth, including structural support and the initial wall patch, typically requires 2 to 3 days.
- Full Demolition: Dismantling a heavy, multi-storey masonry chimney from the roof down, plus the interior restoration, is the longest job, usually requiring 4 to 5 days or more.
We give you a precise schedule when we provide your quote, so there are never any surprises!
Do I need a permit for fireplace or chimney removal?
Removing a fireplace or chimney is rarely considered simple cosmetic work because it often affects the structural integrity of your home, especially if the wall is load-bearing.
- When Permits are Required: You will need a building permit if the project involves chimney demolition (the stack above the roof), removing a chimney breast, or altering any structural beams. The local municipalities in Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington are strict about this for safety reasons.
- The Big Exception: Removing only a small, non-structural gas or electric insert is sometimes permit-exempt, but even then, the utility work (like gas capping) must be done by a certified pro.
- Worry-Free Process: Don’t stress over the paperwork! A key part of our fireplace removal services is managing the permit process from start to finish. We handle the applications, engineer assessments, and inspections to ensure your project is 100% compliant with the Ontario Building Code.
We make sure everything is legal and safe, giving you total peace of mind!
Can you install a new electric fireplace after the removal?
Absolutely, yes! Many homeowners choose to replace their bulky, old masonry fireplace with a sleek, low-maintenance electric fireplace. It’s the perfect way to keep the ambiance without the hassle or mess.
We specialize in full-service transformation, which means we can handle the entire job:
- Removal and Restoration: We remove the old chimney breast and restore your wall to a smooth, flat surface.
- New Electric Installation: We then install the new electric fireplace insert or wall-mounted unit right into the newly reclaimed space.
- Custom Design: We work with modern, high-efficiency options, including linear models and contemporary surrounds. We ensure the electric fireplace is perfectly sized and installed with the proper electrical wiring to give your room that seamless, updated look you wanted when you started the removal project.
Think of it as trading a structural burden for a beautiful, instant-on focal point! We can discuss this as part of your initial project plan.
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