Chimney Stack Demo - DIY or Outsource?

[Sean Regan]

Hey all,

I am in the middle of my first rehab (for LT rental) and want/need to lower two decaying chimney stacks to a safe height above the roof.  One is about 20 ft tall (11 ft above a 9 ft roof) and several feet from the main power line.  The other is more manageable, about 5 ft above the roof.  I'm not sure if a demo specialist or mason would be better.  I also don't have a GC and am managing the rehab myself and planned to spend under $2,000 for this.  These are my options:

a) Expensive contractor - wants $8,500 to demo and cap the two stacks plus some other brick repairs/repointing.  Insured.  Good reviews on work.

b) Cheap contractor - wants $1,500 for the same work.  Communication is challenging, most likely uninsured, but this is in-line with the budget.

c) Keep searching for contractors, adding time to project and potentially costs.

d) Buy scaffolding or rent scaffolding or a lift and demo myself for under $1,500, including dumpster.

What would you do??

Thanks!