how much does it cost to remodel a squared fireplace to rectangle?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hi,

We are building a new home. The standard fireplace is a squared fireplace. We would like to upgrade to a elevated rectangle fireplace, which cost $6900. Is that a lot? How much is the labor cost for switching the fireplace? Please help!! Thanks!

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Mark Bischak, Architect

5 years ago

I was thinking of changing my moniker to "AchitectFlyFishingGuy"

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Comments (14)

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Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
Ask another mason near you.
Jakvis
5 years ago
If this is all new construction the costs should be minimal from one to another.

Changing old construction, pre-existing fireplaces is where it gets costly.
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Adding on is more expensive, and the kitchen is the highest price per square foot of any part of the house, plus you are in a more expensive area -- but that still seems high to me. Keep in mind that it can cost nearly as much to move something a little as to move it a lot. Same thing with adding a little -- The labor is nearly the same, the permits and the problems are nearly thesame, and only some of the materials increase. if you do rethink your approach, it pays to take the time to really study your space and options -- think outside the box and conventional approaches. We bought out house planning only on replacing counters and appliances, but 4 years later, we ripped it all out. We moved a cooktop out of the island and across that island from the sink -- made possible because we were able to install a prep sink. We also took out a corner pantry and a huge overhead light box. The kitchen feels about 50% larger and functions so much better, but we didn't change the footprint. We couldn't -- there was really nowhere we could go, so we improved the same space and got a lot more out of it. If you want to post what you have with what you need and want, I'm sure you'll get a lot of great pointers on working within the available space. Something to think about....
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chispa
5 years ago
Is this a tract home with a large production builder? Any change from their standard menu will cost you more than the actual increase in parts/materials, but it will be even more expensive to bring in someone else to demo/install a new fireplace after the house is finished.
dan1888
5 years ago
You can get bids to do the fireplace with your own sub. And get a price reduction to reflect this. Start with getting bids.
Mavis Ho
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes it’s a big builder. They charge you crazy for anything you want to change. That’s why I only do the change that’s hard and cumbersome to change later. Is $6900 reasonable price to change from a 36” squared gas fireplace to a 42” rectangular gas fireplace?

@dan1888, how do I get bid? Do you mean ask around and compare the price?
millworkman
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You can't get bids and local pricing means nothing, and until you take possesion it is his house. With a production builder you cannot get another sub in there to work until you own the house which means he finishes and then you pay to have it ripped out and redone. The developer siness model is such that changes cost considerably more and if you get a credit expect pennies on the dollar. Just the wayit is.
just_janni
5 years ago
The linear fireplaces are pretty pricey compared to the "normal" format. Not surprised at the cost. And since we don't know the specs of the standard one - I am assuming it was rather low end. The linear ones are mostly higher end...
dan1888
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Look over the specs and installation instructions. Have the chimney piping, gas supply and outside combustion air supply installed and tell him to delete the gas insert and surround work and give you a credit. Shop for the unit you want and install right after closing.
Kristin S
5 years ago
I had the same thought as Dan - have them basically rough in the fireplace for future install without actually putting it in. Then have one put in on your own after you take possession.

Costs are so dependent on where you are, it's hard for us to tell you what the cost "should" be. For reference, our cost to to put in a corner (glass on two sides) gas fireplace with stone surround up to the ceiling is just over $7,000 (that includes the fireplace, the install and necessary gas/venting, the stone, and the labor to install the tile). So if you're talking $6,900 total, it sounds pretty reasonable; if it's that on top of the cost of their basic fireplace, I might ask more questions (but it still could be reasonable).
millworkman
5 years ago
Don't expect to get a credit back however or if they do give you the credit as I mentioned it will pennies on the dollar. I would expect them to say no they have to finish the fireplace and that it is required per the contract. Yo can tear it out on your own dime after you own the house.
Mavis Ho
Original Author
5 years ago
@Kristin, the $6900 only includes a 42” elevated rectangular gas fireplace with a 60” beam above it instead of a 36” squared gas fireplace. It doesn’t include any stone on the wall what so ever, just the paint.

The builder will not let us to do anything with until we move in. That’s why I am struggling if I should do it now or later.

Thanks!
User
5 years ago
Is this new construction?

Is this a developer's upgrade option?

Is it a wood burning fireplace or a gas fireplace?

What are the dimensions of the rectangular fireplace and how far from the floor and is there a hearth for either fireplace?

There would need to be a major difference to justify such a high price difference but I don't really know what you are asking about.
Mavis Ho
Original Author
5 years ago
@architechbanjoguy, if you read my comments above, you got all the answers to your questions.

how much does it cost to remodel a squared fireplace to rectangle?

Mark Bischak, Architect

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Mark Bischak, Architect

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how much does it cost to remodel a squared fireplace to rectangle?

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