fireplace question. Is it worth it to remove one?

[Letitia Harris]

Hi all,
I'm looking at a prospect that has a fireplace chimney that's separating from the house.  It has pulled away 2 inches at the top, towards the roof.  It has some issues that'll need repairing, along with the separation issue.  The house has central heat, so I'm considering removing the chimney above the roofline, repairing the roof, and just having it as ornamental inside.  It looks nice inside, but isn't necessary to warm the house.   I've never dealt with a fireplace before.   Thoughts??
Ideas on what this might cost to repair?

[Alfred Edmonds]

@Letitia Harris I have removed chimneys on other people's houses, just took down 3 on one property, 2 just below the roofline and one all the way down but that one was outside the home. below the roofline is easy as long as the rest of the chimney is structurally sound which a good GC will tell you. I can say that they usually are ok once they get inside out of the weather. As far as cost, it depends on height, pitch and accessibility. The repair to the roof is pretty straightforward but it depends on roof materials and condition. the other issue could be water damage to the surrounding sheathing and rafters which could cost more. if it was all good, and just a matter of removing chimney and replacing sheathing and tooting in asphalt shingles, I'd probably do it for 1000 if it was a day project. I'm in Massachusetts so I don't know what you may find. I would make sure your guy is licensed and insured and has the means and ability to do the whole project and not be subbing out masons and roofers. It's easy and usually fast. hope it helps, as with all projects there are many variables which need to be identified for an accurate estimate.