How Much Does It Cost To Reroute A Dryer Vent?

You pull your dryer away from the wall for the first time in years, only to realize the lint-covered, crushed hose is a disaster waiting to happen. You know it needs to be replaced, but this time you want to move the dryer to a different spot. Installing a new dryer vent typically costs between $200 and $800 when adding ducting through an exterior wall. The total cost to reroute the vent can vary quite a bit based on the scope of the job and the materials used. Relocating a dryer vent requires careful planning, since the new route needs to be short and direct enough to prevent lint buildup and fire hazards.

The costs associated with this type of project can be broken down into various factors, including labor, materials, and the overall difficulty of the installation. Understanding how these impact costs can help you prepare for the project and find a professional who will get the job done right. Getting rid of an unused dryer vent or rerouting a dryer vent isn't about convenience – it's about making your home safer and more efficient.

The price of rerouting a dryer vent mostly depends on the professional you hire and the materials they use. The labor alone for a dryer vent installation typically costs between $40 to $140 per hour, with a full project taking an average of two to four hours to finish. Some professionals also charge a minimum service fee for shorter jobs, which ensures the trip is worth it for the contractors. A properly installed vent, with the right materials, can also make future cleaning much easier, and cleaning the dryer vent can lead to energy savings.

The materials for the vent hose itself can vary in cost, with prices for the parts ranging from $10 to $30. While flexible ducts are often less expensive, rigid metal ducts are the preferred choice for their safety and durability. Metal ducts are more resistant to heat and less prone to crushing or kinking, which helps prevent clogs and the risk of fire. For a more durable system, you can expect to pay around $250 for rigid metal installation, compared to around $175 for a plastic system. The length of the vent hose also affects the final price, with a cost of around $12.50 to $15 per linear foot for both materials and installation.

Rerouting a dryer vent is rarely as simple as just moving the appliance to a new spot. The difficulty of the job is one of the biggest drivers of cost. Projects that only require the professional to cut a new hole through an exterior wall for the vent are on the lower end of the cost range. The price increases if the new route requires cutting through surfaces like brick or concrete. A simple job can cost around $189, while projects requiring extra ductwork or minor structural changes can cost $200 to $400. Extensive structural changes and longer labor hours can push costs to $500 or more.

The path the vent needs to take also adds to the complexity. Running the vent through a basement, an attic, or across multiple floors will require more work and materials, driving up the total price. Some projects may also require a building permit, which can add anywhere from $50 to $300 to the total cost, depending on local regulations.