How Much Does It Cost To Remodel Your Fireplace?

It might be time for a fireplace upgrade.

If you've neglected your fireplace over the winter (or over the last several years) it might be time for a fireside facelift. A fireplace remodel can be a cost-effective way to improve the aesthetics of your living room.

A word of caution: Before you begin, be sure your chimney is filtering smoke properly and that any materials utilized in your remodel are fire-rated. An annual chimney cleaning and inspection is imperative to ensure the safety of your family. Head to HomeAdvisor to find a local chimney & fireplace cleaning service.

Once things are safe and clean, here's how to transform your fireplace for fall so you'll actually want it to be the focal point of your living room all season long.

See also: A Remodeling Cost Guide For Every Room In The House

Clear Away Cracks

Begin by immediately repairing any potentially dangerous cracks. Cracks are common in the corners of your fireplace, but they can also appear in the middle and the back. If not properly repaired, these cracks could allow smoke, carbon monoxide and sometimes even stray embers to get between your walls or onto your roof.

Water leaks can cause structural damage if left untreated. Repair any cracks in the crown of your chimney to avoid damaging the entire structure.

Average Cost: If you need to repair a few cracks, you can expect to pay around $175. Fixing a water leak ranges from $150 to $350 (depending on whether you DIY or hire a contractor) and crown repairs average $150 to $300.

Overall, the national average cost to repair a fireplace or wood stove is $445.

Find Brick & Stone Fireplace Repair Contractors in Your Area

Change the Color

One popular way to refurbish a room is to paint the fireplace a new color. You'll need to make sure the paint is heat resistant so it doesn't blister or peel.

Average Cost: The average cost to paint a small project is $656, but this will vary based on the size and material of your fireplace, as well as the quality of your supplies.

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Mix Materials

Whether you want to highlight the existing brickwork of your fireplace or cover it up entirely, you have several options. Drywall and sheetrock are popular materials for creating a new look, but stone tiles and bricks are also attractive ways to enhance the existing structure.

Average Cost: The average cost to install or hang drywall is $1,690, and the cost to install natural stone tile ranges from $908 to $2,746.

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Build a New Mantel

There are a variety of designs available for fireplace mantel kits, but many homeowners choose to create custom mantelpvieces to suit their specific tastes. Some homeowners choose to hire an interior designer to help choose materials, designs and colors.

Average Cost: On average, homeowners pay $5,547 to hire an interior decorator or designer. Most homeowners report paying somewhere in the range of $1,884 to $9,655. Obviously, this number will vary based on the scope of your project and the designer's rates.

The average cost to hire a handyman is $395, but some homeowners paid as little as $70 for their services.

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Switch to Gas

There is something special about a wood-burning fireplace, but some homeowners find them to be more trouble than they're worth. Gas-burning fireplaces require less maintenance and burn a cleaner (and safer) than their wood-burning alternatives.

Average cost: The national average price for gas fireplace installations is $1,979. For comparison, the average wood-burning fireplace installation costs between $835 and $3,134.

Find Top-Rated Fireplace & Wood Stove Contractors in Your Area

More Home & Garden:

• 6 Simple Fixes To Boost Your Home's Value
  
• How Much Does It Really Cost to Have Your Home Professionally Cleaned?

Photo Credit: Gardner41 via flickr