Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Chimney Woes - My luck as usual

I recently discovered bricks pushed out on the side of my chimney and went to investigate. Whoever built the chimney violated just about every rule on chimney construction I've read about. The crown was mortar and was right up against the flue tiles. The crown was badly cracked and water had gotten in damaging the mortar in the top 3 courses on both long sides and the front side of the chimney. Additionally there was no bond break and the top two flue tiles for the fireplace flue are cracked full length on two sides. I also discovered that there was no mortar between flue tiles. They were just stacked on top of each other. All in all, it wasn't the best chimney job in the world. I tend to believe the original owner did the work himself during construction because I've found other odd ball things in the construction of the house and was told he did a lot of the original construction himself.

Anyway, I'm probably looking at rebuilding the chimney from the roof up and very possibly relining the two flues. I have someone coming out to look at it and provide an estimate based on what they find, but my luck dictates it will probably be a worst case situation.

My question would be how much could I expect to pay to have this work done? The house is a ranch with a basement. Oil fired boiler in the basement with a fireplace that has a wood stove inserted on the main floor.

There is really no way any of us could even venture a guess. Whatever we guess would be wrong. We can't see the chimney. I have fixed chimneys from $100 to $5000. What ever it is, it is. Every chimney is different. It is all expensive labor work. Good Luck

Well, after getting some pricing in the $4000 to $5000 range I decided to do it myself. I ended up taking the chimney down to the roof because things got worse after inspecting further. I found all the fireplace flue tiles cracked down to the first tile. The boiler flue looked to be in pretty decent shape except for some minor stress cracks along the corners of the top two, so replaced them and the fireplace tiles all the way up. I built the chimney back up with concrete block and am going to face it. Haven't decided on a facing material yet, but something called Flexi Brick has my attention. Speaking with the manufacturer I'm told I can pre-build cement board or even foam panels with the facing on it and then attach them to the block. Still thinking through that and wondering just how well this would work out. At this point I'm ready to pour the crown and have to get moving as it's starting to dip into the low 40's at night and no heat in the house. My problem has been finding help at the times I need it, so progress has not been as fast as I would have hoped. But, so far I have about $500 in the project, which goes to show how much of those multi-grand estimates are labor. For anyone thinking of tackling a chimney rebuild yourself give it VERY careful consideration even if from only the roof line up. and make sure you are confident in your skills and have no problem with heavy lifting. Even something that's relatively small in size is very labor intensive. I also wouldn't recommend this to anyone that has never layed brick or block. I'm no pro when it comes to masonry work, but I can build a straight block wall even if it takes me a little longer. The chimney people will tell you it can't be done by anyone except a chimney pro and in some cases they would be right. There are many, many things to consider, but it is my feeling that anyone with above average skills, a little fortitude, help sources and some spare time can do this. It is not rocket science, but you absolutely must understand the dynamics involved if you are to have a safe and functional outcome. In other words, if you believe your average Home Depot or Lowes employee actually knows what they are talking about you probably should not be taking on a project like this. Speaking of safe, hanging out on a roof for extended periods of time can be exhausting and lead to unsafe practices. Picture carting heaving objects up and down a hill for hours. You're doing the same thing even though you may not realize it. You are also not usually standing on a level surface much of the time and this can lead to fatigue. Take breaks even if only for a few minutes. Besides, it's good to get down and view your work from a distance now and then. Keep the area around you clear of tools and clutter. Tripping and falling on a roof is a little different than doing it on the ground. Make sure your helper(s) understand this also if they are carrying tools and supplies up to you. Make sure your help has something to keep them busy and if they aren't going to be doing anything useful for a while get them off the roof. You don't want them wondering around bored on a roof or looking down walking along counting shingles. It's not good for them, it's not good for your roof and it certainly wouldn't be good for you when your buddy takes a dive off the roof. Your daughter's boyfriend maybe, but not your buddy.