How Much Does a Chimney Rebuild Cost in Minneapolis, MN?

By Garrett Sullivan, 16 years of experience · November 13, 2026 · 6 min read

MN Chimney Sweep lists chimney cleaning from $89 and chimney inspection from $39; neither is a chimney rebuild price. The rebuild scope needs to be identified before you can compare a rebuild with a smaller repair.

Our Starting Prices in Minneapolis

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

What Determines Chimney Rebuild Cost?

A rebuild replaces a substantial part of the chimney structure; it is different from repointing mortar or repairing a small section. The amount of masonry that must come down and be rebuilt, the condition of the flue, and access to the damaged area all affect the work involved. A visual look from the ground cannot establish the condition of concealed masonry or the flue interior.

Start by having the damage assessed and asking which parts need replacement and which can remain. Request a written description that separates demolition, rebuilding, and any additional flue or flashing work. That scope lets you compare proposals on the same work rather than comparing a full rebuild with a limited repair.

The prices published by MN Chimney Sweep are starting prices for specific services, not a rebuild estimate. See our prices for listed services, and use a chimney rebuild service when the masonry damage extends beyond a localized repair.

Which Chimney Work Fits the Damage?

The right scope depends on whether the problem is limited to the outer masonry, affects a specific component, or involves a larger portion of the chimney. These distinctions help you ask focused questions before approving work.

What Chimney Damage Should You Document?

Before arranging an assessment, note what you can see safely from the ground or inside the home. These observations help describe the concern; they do not establish that a rebuild is needed.

• Cracked or missing bricks — Record which side or area shows the damage and whether the condition appears to have changed. Do not climb onto the roof to get a closer view.
• Loose or deteriorated mortar — Take a ground-level photo if the joints look recessed, cracked, or broken. An assessment can distinguish a limited mortar repair from more extensive masonry work.
• Water stains or dampness — Note where moisture appears indoors and when you notice it. Water can enter around different chimney components, so a stain alone does not prove that masonry needs rebuilding.
• Smoke or debris concerns — Write down when smoke enters the room or when you find masonry debris near the fireplace. Stop using the fireplace if you see a safety concern, and arrange a professional assessment.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

How to Prepare for a Chimney Rebuild Assessment

You can gather useful information without opening the chimney, disturbing masonry, or working at roof height. Follow these steps before you request an assessment.

1. Stop using the fireplace if damage looks unsafe — Do not light another fire if you see loose masonry, major cracks, or debris coming into the firebox. Check that the fireplace is not in use and keep people away from the affected area.
2. Photograph visible damage from the ground — Use a phone camera or binoculars from a safe location; do not use a ladder or walk on the roof. Check that the photos show the affected area clearly enough to describe its location.
3. Look inside without dismantling anything — With the fireplace cold, use a flashlight to look for loose material in the firebox or visible changes around the opening. Do not remove bricks, scrape the flue, or reach into the chimney; note what you can see without touching it.
4. Write down when the problem appeared — Record whether you noticed damage after a storm, a chimney event, or another change. Check your notes for dates or earlier photos that show whether the condition is new or longstanding.
5. Identify the fireplace or appliance — Write down whether the chimney serves a fireplace, wood stove, or another appliance, along with any recent change to that setup. Check that you can describe what vents through the chimney.
6. Ask what inspection is appropriate — Describe the visible condition and ask whether the assessment needs a video scan of the flue. For a Level 2 inspection, the CSIA procedure identifies a video scan as part of the inspection; check that the proposed scope names the inspection level.
7. Compare the written scope — Ask for the damaged areas, removal work, replacement work, and any separate repairs to be listed clearly. Check that each proposal covers the same parts before comparing what each contractor recommends.

How Listed Starting Prices Relate to Rebuild Situations

The listed starting prices can help you identify the service being priced, but they do not set the cost of rebuilding masonry. For a chimney that only needs cleaning, the listed starting price is $89; cleaning does not repair structural damage. For a condition that needs an inspection first, the listed starting price is $39; an inspection is not a rebuild.

For a chimney with visibly deteriorated masonry, neither of those starting prices tells you what rebuilding will cost. Ask for the recommended rebuild scope and a price for that scope before authorizing the work. If the concern may be a smaller repair, compare it with the separate service described in the assessment rather than assuming every crack calls for a full rebuild.

What Can Go Wrong Before Chimney Masonry Is Rebuilt?

Choosing work based only on a ground-level photo can miss damage inside the flue or behind visible masonry. On the other hand, approving a full rebuild without a clear scope can leave you unsure which parts will be replaced. Ask the contractor to connect each recommended task to a condition found during the assessment.

Do not patch loose masonry or climb onto the roof to investigate it yourself. A patch can conceal a continuing problem, and working at height adds a serious fall risk. Contact a chimney sweep when you see falling material, significant cracks, smoke entering the room, or signs of damage after a fire or severe weather event.

For concerns involving soot or creosote rather than damaged masonry, cleaning is a different service from rebuilding. Learn more about a Level 2 chimney inspection when a deeper assessment may be relevant, or review chimney rebuild service details before requesting an assessment.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

How to Arrange a Chimney Rebuild Assessment

Call MN Chimney Sweep at (612) 806-0154 or use the contact page to describe the damage and request an assessment. Same-day service is available, and the company is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Have your photos and notes ready, and ask whether the visit is for an inspection, a repair assessment, or both. Before work starts, ask which masonry and flue components are included, what additional work is separate, and how the warranty applies to the proposed scope. MN Chimney Sweep explains the work clearly and recommends only services a homeowner needs.

Frequently asked questions