Chimney repair prices run from a small cap fix to a full rebuild, and the same job can be quoted very differently depending on whether it is priced per square foot, per linear foot or as a lump sum. This guide lists the reported ranges by repair type from three named sources and flags where they diverge.
Updated November 2026
Chimney repair cost overview
All figures are typical ranges reported by the named sources on the dates shown, in US dollars. They are not quotes. Get at least three written estimates for your own project.
| Measure | Reported range | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Typical repair | $250 to $1,200, average $750 (low $100, high $7,000) | Fixr, updated January 2025 |
| Overall repairs | $160 to $750, average $455 (major repairs, such as liners, $7,000 or more) | SoFi, April 2026 (citing HomeAdvisor) |
| Labor | $50 to $150 per hour | SoFi, April 2026 |
The averages differ because each source blends different repair mixes. Fixr reports a national average of $750; SoFi cites $455, and notes that major work such as liner replacement can run to $7,000 or more. SoFi’s own article is internally inconsistent on a few figures, such as liner and inspection ranges, so use its numbers as a rough guide and verify locally.
Cost by repair type
| Repair | Fixr (Jan 2025) | HomeServe (Feb 2026) | SoFi (Apr 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown repair | $750 to $1,000 | Minor $150 to $400; rebuild $600 to $1,200; extensive $1,000 to $3,000 | not listed |
| Cap | $100 to $250 | $200 to $850 | $190 to $650 |
| Flue liner | $1,200 to $4,600 (replacement) | Clay $6 to $15 per ft; stainless $20 to $90 per ft; thermocrete ceramic $50 to $200 per ft | $625 to $7,000; national average $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Repointing / tuck-pointing | $500 to $2,500 | $8 to $30 per sq ft | $300 to $1,500 (masonry) |
| Rebuild | $500 to $4,000 | Roofline to top $1,000 to $3,500; entire chimney $4,000 to $15,000 | not listed |
| Flashing repair | $200 to $300 | not listed | not listed |
| Sweep / cleaning | $100 to $300 | Inspection, usually including basic cleaning, $100 to $5,000 | Cleaning $129 to $381, average $254 |
Rebuild is where the sources differ most. Fixr lists $500 to $4,000, while HomeServe separates a partial rebuild from the roofline up at $1,000 to $3,500 from a whole-chimney rebuild at $4,000 to $15,000. Ask contractors to say what a “rebuild” covers: the top few feet, the whole stack above the roof, or the firebox and base.
Inspection costs
SoFi lists three inspection levels: Level one $100 to $950, level two $200 to $1,000 and level three $500 to $5,000. A level one inspection is a visual check of accessible areas; deeper levels can use cameras or involve removing parts of the structure. If you are buying a house or have had a chimney fire or a major event, a deeper inspection is usually worth asking about. HomeServe says an inspection typically includes basic cleaning, but the range is wide, at $100 to $5,000.
What affects the cost
- Chimney height and roof pitch: steeper or taller work needs more safety equipment and time.
- Material: brick, stone, stucco and prefab metal chimneys are priced differently. SoFi lists brick masonry at $300 to $1,500, prefab or metal at $250 to $1,200 and stucco at $1,000 to $4,000.
- Extent of water damage. Leaks often start at the crown, cap or flashing and spread to the masonry.
- Liner type and length. HomeServe’s per-foot ranges show how much material choice matters.
- Permits. SoFi lists $50 to $300 for small jobs.
- Season and demand: fall is busy for chimney work.
Repair now or wait?
Small repairs, such as a cracked cap or failing flashing, are usually cheap compared with the damage water can do inside the stack, and pairing them with the roof work you might already be planning can save a visit. Look at roofing cost and our roofing calculator if flashing and shingles are part of the same job. Pairing repairs with a gutter service can also reduce water against the masonry; see gutter cleaning cost. Problems with a flue liner, signs of smoke entering the house, or crumbling masonry are not good candidates for waiting; have a qualified professional look at them before using the fireplace.
How to save
- Get a written inspection report first, so every contractor bids on the same problems.
- Obtain at least three quotes and compare per-foot, per-square-foot and lump-sum prices on the same basis.
- Fix small leaks early with a new cap, crown sealant or flashing.
- Bundle chimney work with roof repairs when scaffolding is already up.
- Have the chimney swept on a schedule your inspector recommends; it is a small cost compared with relining.
- Check for licensing, insurance and, where relevant, CSIA certification.
Frequently asked questions
How much does chimney repair cost?
Fixr (January 2025) reports $250 to $1,200 with a national average of $750. SoFi (April 2026), citing HomeAdvisor, reports $160 to $750 with an average of $455. Major work such as a liner replacement can cost far more.
How much does it cost to replace a chimney liner?
Fixr lists $1,200 to $4,600 for replacement. HomeServe (February 2026) lists per-foot costs of $6 to $15 for clay, $20 to $90 for stainless steel and $50 to $200 for thermocrete ceramic.
How much does chimney repointing cost?
Fixr lists $500 to $2,500. HomeServe lists $8 to $30 per square foot. SoFi lists $300 to $1,500 for masonry work.
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
SoFi lists level one at $100 to $950, level two at $200 to $1,000 and level three at $500 to $5,000.