How much does it cost to remove a gas fireplace to open up the wall for an open concept layout in Ottawa?

Removing a gas fireplace to open up a wall for an open concept layout in Ottawa typically runs $3,000 to $8,000 in total, though complex projects involving load-bearing walls, extensive gas line work, or significant masonry can push costs higher. The wide range reflects how dramatically project scope can vary — a simple prefabricated gas fireplace in a non-load-bearing wall is a very different job from removing a full masonry fireplace and chimney that runs through multiple floors.

Breaking Down the Costs

The gas fireplace disconnection itself must be performed by a TSSA-licensed gas fitter — this is Ontario law, not a suggestion. The gas fitter will cap the line at an appropriate point, either at the fireplace location or back at the meter depending on whether you want to preserve the rough-in for a future appliance. Expect to pay $300 to $700 for the gas disconnection and line capping, plus a TSSA inspection tag confirming the work was done to code.

Structural work is often where costs climb quickly. If the fireplace is on an exterior wall or the wall in question is load-bearing, a structural engineer may need to assess the opening and specify a beam or header — engineering fees run $500 to $1,500 in Ottawa, and the beam installation itself adds another $1,500 to $4,000 depending on span and load. Never assume a wall with a fireplace is non-load-bearing without having it confirmed by a professional.

Chimney removal or decommissioning is a separate consideration. If you are removing a prefabricated direct-vent gas fireplace with a metal chase, the chase and vent pipe can typically be removed and the roof patched for $800 to $2,500. If there is a full masonry chimney involved, partial demolition above the roofline runs $3,000 to $8,000, and a full chimney removal from foundation to cap can reach $8,000 to $20,000 or more — this is a significant project that also requires careful structural assessment of how the chimney interacts with the floor and roof framing.

Finishing work — patching drywall, repairing flooring where the hearth pad was, repainting, and restoring trim — adds $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the finishes in your home and how much area needs to be matched. Hearth pads often involve tile or stone that extends beyond the fireplace footprint, and matching existing hardwood or tile floors is rarely inexpensive.

One practical consideration worth flagging: before committing to full removal, some Ottawa homeowners find that a linear gas fireplace or a recessed electric fireplace can be incorporated into the open concept design rather than eliminated entirely — maintaining the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace while achieving the visual openness they are after. It is worth having a conversation with a fireplace professional before the demo crew arrives.

For a project of this scope, you will want quotes from both a TSSA-licensed gas fitter and a general contractor who can coordinate the structural, mechanical, and finishing work. You can browse fireplace and renovation contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory to find professionals who handle this type of combined gas and structural work in the Ottawa area.