How much does a chimney removal cost? While no two projects will be the same, the average cost of removing both a chimney stack and breast is £2200-£2400.
In this guide, we break down the costs involved when removing a chimney and how the whole process works. In some instances, it may make more sense to remove than to carry out chimney repairs. This is especially true if the chimney has been used beyond its useful life.
What parts of a chimney are removed?
Before we get started, it’s important to define the different types of chimney removals. Chimney removals can be broken into three common types.
- Chimney Stack Removal
- Chimney Breast Removal
- Full Chimney Removal (Stack and Breast)
What is the difference between a chimney stack and a chimney breast?
A chimney stack refers to the protruding stack on top of the roof, where smoke is expelled if the chimney is operational. Chimney stack removal usually only requires roof-level access. A chimney breast refers to the internal part of the chimney, and houses the fireplace and the flue. The flue connects the fireplace to the chimney stack. When this is removed, access is required throughout the property, and the work is more complex, as the space must be properly restructured to avoid damage.
How much does it cost to remove a chimney?
While a DIY chimney removal is possible, with the correct tools and knowledge, it’s a big job, which is best done by professionals, with access to pro tools, scaffolding and years of experience. While labour costs might put you off, the cost of repairing damage caused by an improper job could be even higher.
Average chimney removal cost
The total cost of removing a chimney can vary greatly depending on the size, condition and materials of the chimney and how much of it is to be removed. The cost to remove a chimney stack, and the cost to remove a chimney breast for the average UK home, looks like this:
| JOB DESCRIPTION | AVERAGE COST |
| Remove chimney stack alone | £1200-£1400 |
| Remove ground floor chimney breast | £1500-£1750 |
| Remove first-floor chimney breast | £1750-£2000 |
| Remove chimney breast entirely without the stack | £2200-£2400 |
| Remove entire chimney breast and stack | £3000-£3500 |
Additional chimney removal costs
There are some additional costs associated with chimney removal that go beyond materials and labour. Though not all chimney removal jobs will incur these costs, you should budget for:
- Scaffolding hire cost: £3,000 – £4,000
- Skip hire cost: £100 – £200
- Chimney redecoration cost: £8 – £15/hour
Chimney redecoration is necessary when a stack is removed, to replace roofing materials, or when a breast is removed, to patch up the hole left internally.
At LD Roofing Services, the cost of scaffolding and waste removal is included in your quote. Contact us today to learn more or discuss your chimney removal needs.
Chimney removal labour costs
The cost for labour on a chimney breast removal will vary from job to job, depending on a number of factors. The average cost for labour on a chimney breast removal will be around £200 to £300 per day.
You will also need to check if the The labour charge includes all site office administration, safety equipment hire, transit time, set up time, travel time, workplace refreshments). It’s often best to discuss these points prior to engaging with the contractor.
Usually, the chimney removal cost includes all of these costs together as a total sum. However, upon your request, contractors can also provide a breakdown of all the expenses within your quote. This will provide transparency both and can be useful to avoid any misunderstanding.
What factors affect chimney removal cost?
There are various considerations that you need to factor in when calculating the cost of removing a chimney.
Type of removal
Chimney removal can take many forms, and this can largely determine your cost. For instance, if you are simply looking to remove the chimney breast only, it may cost you around £1,500 – £1,750. However, this cost can increase if you wish to remove the chimney stack as well, which can range between £3,000 and £3,500.
Size of Chimney Breast & Stack
The size of the chimney breast will affect the cost. This is because the smaller the breast, shorter the time it takes for the contractors to remove them. Similarly, a larger chimney breast will cover a larger area making it time consuming. This will increase the labour costs and in turn the overall cost to remove the chimney.
Property location
The location of your property can affect the overall cost that you’re going to pay for the job. This is because the local labour rates and transportation costs can impact the overall cost of removing chimneys. In the case of LD Roofing, all our contractors are based within Northamptonshire making it cost effective if you’re within the area.
Use of Scaffolds
In some instances, depending on where the chimney stack or chimney breast is placed, the job may require the use of scaffolds. Hiring scaffolds may cost approximately £3,000 – £4,000 depending on the size and duration of hire.
Chimney removal cost breakdown
To give you a better understanding of chimney removal costs, we’ve created a sample itemised quote for the cost to remove a chimney stack on a two-storey house outside a major city.
| Item | Cost (Exc. VAT) |
| Scaffold access to the front elevation around the chimney. | £420 |
| Careful hand dismantling of the stack, pot removal, and safe lowering. | £280 |
| Waste removal and licensed disposal of brick, mortar, and pot. | £120 |
| Roof patch. Replace felt and battens locally. Fit 12 matching tiles. | £260 |
| Lead saddle and flashing to suit the roof profile. | £190 |
| Temporary weather protection during works. | £40 |
| Final clean down and photos. | £30 |
| Contingency allowance for hidden defects. | £80 |
Subtotal – £1,420
VAT at 20% – £284
Total – £1,704
Chimney removal costs – questions to ask a contractor
Before signing contracts with a company to remove your chimney, it’s important to gauge their certifications, knowledge and trustworthiness. If you’re not sure what to ask, we’ve got some of the key questions you’ll want answers to here:
- Will you inspect from the roof and provide photos?
- What is included in the remove chimney stack cost, and what is excluded?
- How will you match my tiles or slates?
- What lead code and detail will you use for the saddle and flashing?
- How is waste handled, and is it included?
- What happens if rotten battens or a cracked rafter is found?
- Do I need an engineer or building control for my specific job?
- Can you show public liability insurance and a sample method statement?
- What warranty do you offer on workmanship and materials?
Chimney removals from LD Roofing Services Ltd
At LD Roofing Services, we have over 25 years of experience in roof repairs, including chimney repair and chimney removal. Based in Northamptonshire and proudly serving the surrounding areas, we are a trusted chimney removal contractor.
We are CHAS, SMAS Worksafe Contractor, and CSCS registered, so you can rest assured your chimney removal is in good hands. Contact us today to find out more, or ask for a free chimney removal quote in any of these areas:
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Warwickshire
- Cambridgeshire
Chimney removal cost FAQs
Can removing a chimney devalue a house?
No, safely removing a chimney does not devalue a house. In fact, it can increase the property value by increasing space (when the chimney breast is removed) and assures a potential buyer that chimney removal or maintenance will not fall to them.
Removing and properly sealing a chimney stack and breast can also eliminate drafts and damp issues caused by a damaged chimney. This can lead to reduced energy bills, another bonus for potential buyers.
Do I need planning permission to remove a chimney?
In most cases, planning permission is not necessary for removing a chimney stack or breast in the UK. As long as it is considered ‘permitted development’ and the property is not in a conservation area or a listed building. At LD Roofing Services Ltd, we recommend you check www.planningportal.co.uk for confirmation.
There may be other permits and permissions necessary ahead of chimney removal. The structural work must comply with Part A of the UK Building Regulations. If the chimney is shared, you also need to ensure that you adhere to the1966 Party Wall Act. This is to ensure that no disruptions or disagreements take place with regard to boundary walls, excavations near neighbouring buildings.
Do I have to remove the internal chimney as well as the stack and breast?
No, the internal chimney does not always need to be removed. You can remove only the external stack, cap or vent the flue below, and leave the internal breastwork untouched. Many homeowners do this to cure leaks and tidy the roofline while avoiding internal disruption.
What other solutions can LD Roofing Services Ltd provide?
We don’t just do chimney repairs and removal. At LD Roofing Services Ltd, we cover all aspects of roof care:
- Flat Roof Replacement
- Roof Replacement
- Roof Repairs
- Emergency Roof Repairs
- Commercial Roofing Services
- Roof Slating And Tiling
- Metal Roofing
- EPDM Roofing
- Fascias, Soffits & Guttering Cleaning
- Roof Cleaning
- Velux Window & Skylight Installation
To find out more or request a free quote, contact us today, and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.
Will chimney removal affect my roof structure?
Yes, chimney removal can affect roof structure, which is why it is so important to entrust the work to experienced chimney removal contractors. The chimney often sits on the wall plate or passes through rafters. A competent roofer will check for notches or cut rafters and will add trimming if needed around the patch. This is one reason you want a roof-level survey and photos before work begins.