Transform Your Fireplace Into a
Stunning Focal Point

The Art & Science of Fireplace Remodeling

Your fireplace is the natural anchor of any room. It's where eyes are drawn, where families gather, and where the mood of your entire living space is set. But if you're staring at a dated brick surround, a brass-trimmed insert from the '90s, or a mantel that hasn't seen an update since the house was built, that "anchor" might be dragging your home's look down rather than lifting it up.

A professional fireplace remodel changes everything. It's one of the highest-impact home improvements you can make — visible every single day, loved by every guest who walks through the door, and proven to increase home value. At LiveFirePros, we've completed over 500 fireplace projects across Southern California, and we bring that experience to every consultation, design, and build.

Types of Fireplace Remodels We Specialize In

Every fireplace remodel is different because every home — and every homeowner — is different. Here are the most popular approaches we take, though we customize everything to your space and style:

Full Surround Remodel: This is our most popular service. We strip the existing surround down to the framing and rebuild with your choice of natural stone, stacked stone, porcelain tile, marble, or other premium materials. The result is a completely transformed fireplace that looks like it was designed with the house — or better. Full remodels typically run $8,000–$18,000+ depending on materials and complexity.

Cosmetic Facelift: Not every fireplace needs a full tear-out. Sometimes a new mantel, a fresh coat of specialty paint or lime wash, updated tile work, and new hardware can completely change the look. Cosmetic remodels start around $1,500 and can deliver dramatic results on a tighter budget.

Modern Linear Conversion: One of the hottest trends in fireplace design is converting a traditional open-face fireplace to a sleek, modern linear unit. These ribbon-style fireplaces create a clean, contemporary look with dancing flames behind glass. We handle the gas line work, framing modifications, and finish surround — the full package.

Insert Upgrades: If your existing fireplace is a wood-burning unit that you rarely use, upgrading to a high-efficiency gas insert is a game changer. You get instant ambiance at the flip of a switch, dramatically better heat output, and no more hauling logs or cleaning ash. We carry top brands and handle every aspect of the installation including gas line work and venting.

Mantel & Hearth Refresh: Sometimes the mantel and hearth are doing all the talking — and not in a good way. We custom-build wood beam mantels, install floating stone shelves, and replace worn hearths with honed granite, limestone, or concrete to create a polished, intentional look.

Materials That Make the Difference

The material you choose defines the character of your fireplace. Here's what we work with most often:

• Natural Stone — Travertine, limestone, marble, and granite. Timeless, each piece unique, and built to last generations.
• Stacked Stone & Ledgestone — The most popular choice for Southern California homes. Adds texture and warmth without being heavy or formal.
• Large Format Porcelain — Sleek, modern, and incredibly durable. Perfect for contemporary and transitional designs.
• Reclaimed Wood Beam Mantels — Adds rustic warmth and character. We source locally whenever possible.
• Concrete & Plaster — Clean lines and smooth finishes for modern and minimalist styles.
• Specialty Tile — Handmade, patterned, or custom glazed tiles for one-of-a-kind accent treatments.

We source materials from trusted suppliers across California and bring samples to your home so you can see how they look in your actual space and lighting — not just in a showroom.

What to Expect: Timeline & Process

A typical fireplace remodel takes 2–4 weeks from start to completion, depending on scope. Cosmetic refreshes can be done in as little as 3–5 days. Here's how the process works:

During your free consultation, we visit your home, assess the existing fireplace, discuss your vision, and take measurements. We then prepare a detailed design proposal with material recommendations and transparent pricing. Once approved, we order materials (1–2 weeks lead time for specialty items), then our crew handles demolition, framing, installation, and finish work. We protect your floors, furniture, and living space throughout the process — we treat your home like our own.

Every project includes a final walkthrough where we go over every detail with you. We don't consider a job complete until you're genuinely thrilled with the result — not just satisfied, but excited to show it off.

Why Southern California Homeowners Choose LiveFirePros

There are plenty of general contractors who'll add a fireplace remodel to their list of services. But fire is what we do — it's all we do. That specialization means we know things general contractors don't: which materials handle SoCal heat cycling without cracking, which gas inserts perform best at our altitude, which designs are trending in Rancho Santa Fe versus Irvine, and how to navigate local permitting for gas line modifications.

We're not learning on your project. We've done this hundreds of times, and that experience translates into smoother builds, smarter recommendations, and results that exceed expectations.