This thing is outdated, ugly, and barely works…

If you’ve got an older fireplace in your home, there’s a good chance it falls into one of these categories:

• Builder-grade
• Outdated brick or design
• Vent-free gas system that doesn’t perform the way you expected

And at some point, most homeowners start thinking:

👉 “What would it actually cost to fix this the right way?”

At Skyline Hearth & Fire, fireplace remodels are one of the most common projects we handle across Roanoke, Salem, Smith Mountain Lake, and surrounding areas—and the pricing can vary quite a bit depending on what you're starting with and where you want to go.

Let’s break it down the right way.

 Understanding What You Actually Have

Before we talk numbers, you need to understand what type of system you’re working with.

 Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces

These are gas fireplaces that:

• Do not require venting
• Burn inside the home
• Rely on room air for combustion

Common homeowner complaints:

• Moisture / humidity buildup
• Odor concerns
• Limited heat feel (despite BTU rating)
• Aesthetics (older log sets, dated look)

 Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

These are sealed systems that:

• Pull air from outside
• Exhaust outside
• Provide consistent, controllable heat

👉 This is the gold standard for modern gas fireplaces

⚠️ Key Clarification (Important for Homeowners)

A “conversion” is NOT gas to gas.

👉 It’s:
Vent-Free Gas → Direct Vent Gas

And that requires:

• New unit
• Venting system installation
• Often reframing or modification

 Real Fireplace Remodel Transformations

Most homes we see in Southwest Virginia start with:

• Basic builder installs
• Inefficient or outdated systems
• Designs that don’t match modern interiors

After remodeling:

🔥 Clean modern finishes
🔥 Efficient heating
🔥 A true focal point in the home

💰 Fireplace Remodel Cost in Roanoke, VA (Real Numbers)

Let’s break this down based on actual project types.

💵 Cosmetic Fireplace Update (Refacing Only)

• $3,000 – $7,000

Includes:

• Tile, stone, or shiplap. Many other options to choose from
• Mantel upgrades
• Paint / finishing

👉 Best for: Structurally sound fireplaces that just need a facelift

💵 Electric Fireplace Remodel

• $2,500 – $7,500

Includes:

• New electric unit
• Wall modifications
• Minimal infrastructure changes

👉 Best for: Quick upgrades or adding a fireplace where none existed

💵 Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Install (New or Replacement)

• $5,000 – $12,000+

Includes:

• Fireplace unit
• Venting system
• Installation

👉 Best for: Performance + realistic flame + efficiency

💵 Vent-Free to Direct Vent Conversion

• $6,000 – $15,000+

This is one of the most common upgrades we do.

Includes:

• Removal of vent-free system
• Installation of direct vent unit
• Venting routed through wall or roof
• Possible framing adjustments

👉 This is where homeowners see the biggest improvement in performance and comfort

💵 Full Fireplace Transformation

• $10,000 – $25,000+

Includes:

• New system
• Structural changes
• Custom finishes

💵 High-End Custom Fireplace / Media Wall

• $25,000 – $50,000+

Includes:

• Built-ins
• Large-scale redesign
• Premium materials

🧠 What Drives Fireplace Remodel Cost?

This is where the real variables come in.

 1. Venting Requirements

Direct vent systems require:

• Proper termination placement
• Clearance considerations
• Routing through walls or roof

👉 This is often the biggest cost factor in conversions

 2. Gas Line Work

• Distance from source
• Accessibility
• Code requirements

 3. Finish Materials

• Stone vs tile vs shiplap
• Custom mantels
• Built-ins

 4. Structural Changes

• Bump-outs
• Framing modifications
• Opening size adjustments

 5. Fireplace Selection

• Brand quality
• Size
• Features (blower, remote, controls)

 Why Homeowners Upgrade from Vent-Free to Direct Vent

This is a HUGE local trend.

Top reasons:

• Better air quality (sealed system)
• More consistent heat
• Cleaner burn
• More modern appearance

👉 It’s not just an upgrade… it’s a completely different experience

⚠️ Common Fireplace Remodel Mistakes

• ❌ Treating fireplaces like simple cosmetic projects
• ❌ Ignoring venting and performance
• ❌ Choosing the wrong size unit
• ❌ Hiring someone without fireplace-specific expertise

👉 Fireplaces are mechanical systems, not just design features

 Is a Fireplace Remodel Worth It?

Short answer?

👉 Yes—and it’s one of the highest ROI upgrades inside your home.

You get:

• Better heat
• Better aesthetics
• Increased home value
• A true focal point

 Why Skyline Hearth & Fire?

We specialize in:

• Vent-free to direct vent conversions
• Gas, electric, and wood systems
• Full fireplace remodels
• Design + installation

👉 We don’t guess—we design it right and build it right

 Serving Southwest Virginia

• Roanoke
• Salem
• Smith Mountain Lake
• Bedford
• Lynchburg
• Lexington

👉 Ready to Upgrade Your Fireplace?

If your fireplace isn’t performing—or just doesn’t look the way you want—it’s time to fix it the right way.

📞 Call: 540-595-9194
📍 Visit: 1619 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA