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How Much Does a Fireplace Makeover Cost in Gainesville, GA?
From painted brick and a new mantel to floor-to-ceiling stone, built-ins and gas inserts: prices, timelines and what to check first, for homes in Gainesville, Hall County and around Lake Lanier.
Quick answer: A fireplace makeover in Gainesville and Hall County usually costs $300 to $1,500 to paint or limewash brick, $500 to $3,000 for a new mantel, $3,000 to $12,000 for stone veneer refacing, and $8,000 to $30,000 for a full floor-to-ceiling makeover with a new mantel and built-ins. A gas insert adds $3,000 to $7,000. Most projects take a few days, and a full makeover with built-ins about 2 to 4 weeks. EBD Construction LLC is a licensed and insured general contractor in Gainesville, Georgia with 15+ years of remodeling local homes. Call 404-925-7481 for a free consultation.
What does a fireplace makeover cost?
| Project | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Paint, whitewash or limewash brick | $300–$1,500 | 1–2 days |
| New wood mantel (beam or full mantel) | $500–$3,000 | 1–2 days |
| Tile surround and hearth | $1,500–$6,000 | 3–5 days |
| Shiplap or paneled fireplace wall | $1,500–$5,000 | 2–5 days |
| Stone veneer refacing | $3,000–$12,000 | 3–7 days |
| Built-ins on both sides | $3,000–$15,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Full floor-to-ceiling makeover with mantel and built-ins | $8,000–$30,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| Remove fireplace and chimney | $3,000–$15,000+ | 1–2 weeks |
The biggest cost drivers are how tall the wall is (vaulted great rooms take a lot more stone), the material you choose, and whether the firebox, hearth or chimney need work.
What are the most popular fireplace makeover ideas?
- Painted or limewashed brick. The fastest, lowest-cost change. Limewash gives a soft, aged look and lets some brick show through.
- A chunky wood beam mantel. A rough-sawn or stained beam warms up a painted or stone fireplace and is one of the most requested updates.
- Floor-to-ceiling stone. Stacked stone or a rustic ledgestone up to the ceiling turns the fireplace into the focal point of the room, especially in vaulted Lake Lanier and mountain-style homes.
- Tile or a slab surround. Large-format tile, a quartz slab or zellige tile around the firebox for a clean, modern look.
- Shiplap or paneling. Painted shiplap or board-and-batten with a simple mantel for a farmhouse or coastal look. Combustible materials have to stay the required distance from the firebox opening.
- Built-ins. Cabinets below and open shelves above on both sides, often with lighting, for storage and a finished look.
- A TV above the fireplace. Recessed wiring, a hidden outlet and a mount set at the right height. Check the heat under the mantel first.
Should I switch to gas?
| Option | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vented gas logs | $800–$3,000 | Real flame look, little heat; damper stays open |
| Gas insert (sealed, direct vent) | $3,000–$7,000 | Much more heat; fits inside the existing firebox |
| Wood-burning insert | $3,000–$6,000 | Keeps wood fires, burns far more efficiently |
| Electric fireplace or insert | $500–$3,000 | No venting or gas line; easy anywhere |
| New gas line to the fireplace | $500–$2,000 | Depends on distance from the meter or tank |
| Chimney inspection and cleaning | $150–$500 | Recommended before any insert or makeover |
Tip: Have the chimney inspected before you spend money on the look. A cracked flue liner or a leaking chimney crown is much easier to fix before the new stone or mantel goes on.
How long does a fireplace makeover take?
Paint and a new mantel take a day or two. Tile, shiplap or stone refacing takes about 3 to 7 days, mostly waiting on mortar and grout to set. A full makeover with built-ins usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, because the cabinets are built, installed and painted. Gas inserts often take a couple of weeks to order. Many homeowners schedule the work in late summer or early fall so the fireplace is ready for the first cold night. See our best time to remodel guide.
Do I need a permit?
Paint, tile, stone veneer, a new mantel and built-ins are cosmetic and usually don't need a permit in Gainesville or Hall County. Installing a gas insert or a new gas line, adding a new fireplace, or structural work on the chimney usually does. Clearances between the firebox and anything combustible, like a wood mantel or shiplap, are set by code and by the fireplace manufacturer. Eric pulls any permits himself. See our building permits guide.
Is a fireplace makeover worth it?
For the money, it's one of the most noticeable changes you can make to a living room. The fireplace is usually the first thing you see when you walk in, so updating it makes the whole room feel new. It pairs naturally with new floors, paint and lighting, or with opening up the room. See our flooring guide, our wall removal guide, and our whole-home renovation guide if you're updating more than one room.
Can't picture stone versus tile versus paint? Eric can show you AI mockups of your own living room at the consultation. See how AI remodel mockups work.
Where does EBD Construction remodel fireplaces?
- Gainesville
- Flowery Branch
- Oakwood
- Buford
- Braselton
- Chestnut Mountain
- Murrayville
- Lake Lanier homes
- All of Hall County
- Towns north of Gainesville
Why hire EBD Construction for a fireplace makeover?
- 15+ years in local homes. Based in Gainesville, licensed and insured, all work guaranteed.
- One contractor for the whole wall. Framing, stone, tile, mantels, built-ins, wiring for a TV, paint and trim.
- See it first. AI mockups of your own room at the consultation.
- You talk to the owner. Eric Bubniak is your point of contact from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
- The same crew every time. Three full-time builders who have worked together for over a decade, with 5-star reviews on Thumbtack.
Fireplace makeover FAQs
Can you put stone over an existing brick fireplace?
Usually, yes. Manufactured stone veneer can go over clean, sound brick with a scratch coat of mortar, or over a framed and sheathed chimney chase with a moisture barrier and metal lath. It saves the cost of tearing the brick out.
How much does it cost to add built-ins next to a fireplace?
Built-in cabinets with shelves on both sides of a fireplace usually cost about $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size, whether they're painted or stained, and whether they include lighting or doors.
Should I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Many Gainesville homeowners do. A gas insert costs about $3,000 to $7,000 installed and heats far better than an open fireplace; vented gas logs cost about $800 to $3,000 and are mostly for looks. You'll need a gas line, and the chimney should be inspected first.
How long does a fireplace makeover take?
Painting brick or a new mantel takes 1 to 2 days. A stone or tile refacing takes about 3 to 7 days, and a full makeover with built-ins about 2 to 4 weeks, including cabinet building and paint.
Do I need a permit for a fireplace makeover?
Cosmetic work like paint, tile, stone veneer and a new mantel usually does not need a permit. Installing a gas insert or new gas line, a new fireplace, or structural work on the chimney usually does. Eric pulls any permits himself.
Can you remove a fireplace and chimney?
Yes. Removing a fireplace and chimney usually costs about $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on whether it is brick or a framed chase, how tall it is, and the roof, floor and wall patching afterward.
Is EBD Construction licensed and insured?
Yes. EBD Construction LLC is licensed and insured, all work is guaranteed, and references are available on request.
Ready to update your fireplace?
Call Eric Bubniak at 404-925-7481 or fill out the form below. Send a photo of your fireplace wall if you can, and we'll set up a free consultation and written estimate.
Get your free consultation
Tell us a little about your project. Eric will call you within one business day to talk it through and set up a time to see the space.