Fireplace Remodeling in San Diego
Dated brick eyesore or non-working firebox? We reface, rebuild, and modernize San Diego fireplaces, from clean tile surrounds to full gas-insert conversions, done right, to code, and built to last.
- Licensed CSLB #1004363
- Fixed written pricing
- Owner-led since 2014
- Workmanship warranty
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CSLB #1004363
45 Google reviews
Across San Diego County
Owner-led, fixed-bid
Your fireplace is the focal point of the room, so when it’s dated brick, cracked tile, or a firebox that hasn’t worked in years, the whole space feels stuck in the past. We’ve been remodeling fireplaces across San Diego County since 2014, from quick surround refacing to full structural rebuilds and gas conversions. As a licensed California contractor (Lic #1004363) owned by Dave Romero, we handle the design, the demo, the gas and venting, and the finish work, pulling permits when the job calls for it and leaving you with a fireplace you’ll actually want to gather around.
Fireplace Remodel Options We Build
Whether you want a light refresh or a complete transformation, we have an option that fits your room and budget:
- Surround refacing: new tile, natural stone, stacked stone, or porcelain slab over your existing surround for a fast, high-impact update.
- Mantel replacement: custom wood, reclaimed beam, or floating concrete mantels sized and installed to your wall.
- Full rebuild: tearing out a tired masonry fireplace and rebuilding the firebox, surround, and hearth from the ground up.
- Gas insert conversion: converting a wood-burning or unused fireplace to a clean, efficient gas insert.
- Modern linear fireplaces: sleek, wide ribbon-flame units set into a flush drywall, tile, or stone wall.
Materials & Design That Fit Your Home
The material you choose sets the entire tone. We help you pick finishes that match your home’s style and hold up to heat and daily use:
- Tile: from classic subway to large-format and handmade zellige for character.
- Natural & stacked stone: ledger panels, limestone, travertine, and granite for texture and warmth.
- Porcelain slab: seamless, modern full-height surrounds with minimal grout lines.
- Plaster & microcement: soft, sculptural finishes popular in coastal and Spanish-style San Diego homes.
Coastal homes near the beach get materials chosen with salt air and moisture in mind.
Safety, Codes & Permits
A fireplace involves combustion, gas, and clearances that have to be done right, this is where hiring a licensed contractor matters most. We handle:
- Gas line work: properly sized, leak-tested connections for inserts and linear units.
- Clearances to combustibles: correct spacing around mantels, surrounds, and framing.
- Venting & flue: direct-vent and B-vent configurations that meet manufacturer specs and code.
- Permits & inspections: pulled with the City of San Diego or your local jurisdiction when scope requires.
Cutting corners is how unpermitted, unsafe fireplaces end up failing inspection at resale. We do it by the book.
Fireplace Remodel Cost in San Diego
Every fireplace is different, but here’s an honest range of what San Diego homeowners typically invest:
- Surround refacing: roughly $1,500 to $5,000, depending on material and size.
- Full fireplace remodel: generally $5,000 to $15,000+ for a new surround, mantel, hearth, and finish work.
- Structural rebuilds & gas conversions: more, since they involve framing, gas lines, venting, inserts, and permits.
After we see the space, you get a clear written estimate, no vague ballparks and no surprise change orders.
Our Process & Why Licensed Matters
We keep the project organized from first visit to final walkthrough: a free consultation to assess your fireplace and options, a clear written estimate with material recommendations, permits and scheduling, then the build, demo, gas and venting, surround, mantel, and finish work, kept clean as we go, and a final walkthrough to confirm everything works and meets code.
Hiring a licensed contractor (CA Lic #1004363) means your project is bonded, insured, and built to California standards, protecting your home, your safety, and your resale value.
The difference is in the contract
| What matters | San Diego Custom Remodeling | Typical contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed written bid before any work starts | Always | Often vague or hourly |
| One accountable team, never subcontracted out | Yes | Frequently subbed |
| Licensed, bonded & insured (CSLB #1004363) | Yes | Not always |
| Permits pulled and inspections coordinated | Every job | Sometimes skipped |
| Written workmanship warranty | Yes | Rarely |
Project gallery
One written price. No surprise change orders.
After we walk your space, you get a single itemized bid for the agreed scope. If it is not in the contract, you do not pay for it. Every project is backed by a written workmanship warranty and the work of a licensed, bonded, and insured San Diego team.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fireplace remodel take?
Most surround refacing jobs take two to four days. A full remodel with a new mantel and hearth usually runs about one to two weeks, while structural rebuilds and gas conversions take longer depending on permits and the units involved.
Do I need a permit to remodel my fireplace in San Diego?
Cosmetic refacing often doesn’t require a permit, but anything involving gas lines, new inserts, venting, or structural changes typically does. As a licensed contractor, we pull the right permits and schedule the required inspections.
Can you convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes. Gas insert conversions are one of our most popular fireplace projects in San Diego. We assess your firebox and chimney, run or connect a properly sized gas line, install a direct-vent insert to manufacturer specs, and finish the surround.
What’s the most cost-effective way to update a dated fireplace?
Surround refacing, new tile, stone, or porcelain slab over the existing structure, gives you the biggest visual change for the smallest budget, typically $1,500 to $5,000. Add a new mantel and updated paint and an old brick fireplace can look completely new.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We’re a licensed California contractor (Lic #1004363), bonded and insured, serving San Diego County since 2014. That protects your home and ensures your fireplace is built to code.