Homeowners in Los Angeles frequently ask our team the same question: how much to build fireplace in a modern home? Because no two projects are identical, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Materials, venting style, labor complexity and permit requirements all influence final pricing. This in-depth guide from CountBricks—Southern California’s leading AI-powered residential construction platform—breaks down every variable so you can budget with confidence.
Using thousands of anonymized projects processed through CountBricks.com/estimate, we see three dominant fireplace categories:
• Basic gas insert retrofit: $7,500 – $12,000
• Custom site-built gas or wood frame: $15,000 – $28,000
• High-end masonry or Isokern with full surround: $30,000 – $55,000+
These ranges already account for L.A. labor rates, real-time material costs, and typical permitting fees captured by our AI. Keep reading for the cost drivers that push your project to the lower or higher end of the spectrum.
1. Fuel Type
Gas installs run cleaner and require less structural support, usually shaving 15-20 % off labor versus true wood-burning units.
2. Venting Requirements
Direct-vent systems exit through an exterior wall and avoid a full chimney chase, saving up to $4,000 in framing and finish costs.
3. Material Quality
• Builder-grade tile surround: $12-$18 per sq. ft.
• Mid-range stone veneer: $25-$40 per sq. ft.
• Hand-crafted limestone or reclaimed brick: $60+ per sq. ft.
4. Framing & Structural Enhancements
Opening walls in older houses often reveals electrical or load-bearing modifications that can add $2,000-$8,000 quickly.
5. Smart Tech Integration
Wi-Fi ignition modules and thermostat ties add roughly $600 but boost convenience and resale value.
Traditional contractors hand you a paper quote days after a site visit. CountBricks does it differently:
• Voice-enabled walkthroughs capture dimensions while you speak.
• Our AI maps the conversation to current material databases.
• A living estimate updates as you tweak finishes in real time.
The result is an interactive budget you can trust—no hidden line items and no guesswork on how much to build fireplace.
Expect 35-45 % of total spend to land here. Our vetted craftspeople average $85-$110 per hour in Los Angeles. Complex stonework demands additional man-hours.
• Firebox/insert: $1,200 – $6,500 depending on brand and BTU output
• Vent kit or flue components: $800 – $2,500
• Framing lumber and sheathing: $600 – $1,200
• Finish materials and mantel: widely variable as shown earlier
LA city permit fees run $450 – $1,000. CountBricks handles submission, plan check scheduling and final sign-off.
We recommend carrying 10 % contingency for hidden hazards such as:
• Asbestos in plaster walls
• Termite-damaged studs
• Electrical panel upgrades to support blower motors
Our customers save an average of 12 % compared to traditional GC methods because CountBricks:
• Locks material pricing at the moment you approve the estimate
• Schedules deliveries precisely, reducing on-site storage risk
• Uses blueprint takeoffs to spot framing conflicts before crews arrive
1. Same-day voice consultation via CountBricks.com/consultation
2. Interactive estimate delivered within 30 minutes
3. Permit set drafted and submitted in 3–5 business days
4. Construction window: 2–4 weeks depending on complexity
5. Final inspection and homeowner orientation: 1 day
• Choose a factory-finished mantel to save 8-10 labor hours
• Run gas and electrical stub-outs during other remodel phases
• Opt for large-format porcelain that mimics stone at half the price
• Keep chimney height under 15' when possible to reduce bracing steel
• Bundle fireplace work with flooring replacement to leverage shared demolition
If you’re wondering exactly how much to build fireplace in your own home, schedule a free voice walkthrough at CountBricks.com/consultation. In less than an hour you’ll receive a detailed, fixed-price proposal backed by CountBricks’ quality guarantee.
CountBricks builds warmth, value and peace of mind—one fireplace at a time.
When the Alvarez family asked CountBricks how much to build fireplace that would anchor their mid-century living room, our AI estimate landed at $38,700 for a hand-chiseled limestone surround and high-efficiency gas insert. By leveraging blueprint takeoffs, we noticed the existing shear wall could carry the load without extra steel, trimming $2,400 from the structural allowance. Final invoice: $36,300—delivered two days ahead of schedule.
• Early digital takeoffs reveal hidden savings before demolition starts.
• Choosing a direct-vent system eliminated the need for a full masonry chimney, shaving three construction days.
• Our material lock guarantee protected the client from a 7 % stone price hike that hit the market two weeks later.
1. Does switching from wood to gas cut costs? Yes—expect 15-20 % savings on both labor and long-term maintenance.
2. Will a fireplace add resale value? Recent CountBricks resale analyses show a 6-12 % boost in perceived home value for professionally built units.
3. Can I finance through CountBricks? Absolutely. We partner with lenders who specialize in energy-efficient upgrades; approvals average 10 minutes.
• Book a zero-commitment call at CountBricks.com/consultation.
• Explore design inspiration at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• Review service details and warranties at CountBricks.com/services.
No matter the style—minimalist plaster or old-world stone—CountBricks has the technology and talent to build it on time and on budget. Your dream fireplace starts here.
