Should I get a
Chimney Scoping (Inspection)?
We have all seen those “Expectation vs. Reality” photos. You know, the ones where a professional baker makes a super accurate Scooby-Doo shaped cake, then an amateur with a spatula shows their version, which turns out looking like a steamy pile of…you know where I was going with that. Well, you have a home with a fireplace, so you probably have this “Expectation” in your head of curling up next to the fireplace with your significant other, enjoying a hot chocolate with marshmallows as you watch the snow fall outside the window. If your reality became you standing outside in the snow storm, barefoot in your pajamas while the fire department puts out a chimney fire, you’d probably find yourself wishing you had that chimney scoping done!
A chimney scope from Top To Bottom Services helps to give you invaluable information and identify possible issues before you first use that fireplace, or even before you put an offer on the house you’re looking at. This may assist you with negotiating with a seller, or help you to budget for repairs on your own home—either way, you won’t be sorry you requested a chimney inspection in Maryland!
Why should I have scoping performed?
How is chimney scoping done?
What types of issues could be found, and what do I do?
Why should I have scoping performed?
→ If you are buying a home in Maryland, you need to understand that only a “Level 1” chimney inspection is included with a home inspection—an evaluation by eye of the readily accessible and visible components of the fireplace.
→ Only a few companies—like TTBS—have the ability to add a full chimney scope onto a home inspection!
→If you own a home, before you light your first fire of the season, a scoping is recommended to make sure it’s actually safe to do so.
→ Only a few companies—like TTBS—have the ability to add a full chimney scope onto a home inspection!
→If you own a home, before you light your first fire of the season, a scoping is recommended to make sure it’s actually safe to do so.
How is chimney scoping done?
Our certified inspectors and technicians will perform this scoping service, either by sending the scope up the flue from the fireplace, or down from the roof.
→ After performing a standard visual inspection of the fireplace and its components, we will run the camera through the flue and identify areas of concern.
→ All findings are included in a report with photos identifying the issue.
→ After performing a standard visual inspection of the fireplace and its components, we will run the camera through the flue and identify areas of concern.
→ All findings are included in a report with photos identifying the issue.
What types of issues could be found, and what do I do?
→ Don’t stress… While some repairs can be costly, that’s not always the case.
→ Buyers should always consult with their Realtor® first, regarding their contract terms.
→ Take our photos/videos of the findings, and consult with a chimney contractor—we have a great, trustworthy referral we can give you—and they will go over your options for repairing the issue.
→ Some things we have found in the past include cracked or misaligned flues, water penetration issues, and excessive build up creosote—a leading cause of chimney fires.
→ Buyers should always consult with their Realtor® first, regarding their contract terms.
→ Take our photos/videos of the findings, and consult with a chimney contractor—we have a great, trustworthy referral we can give you—and they will go over your options for repairing the issue.
→ Some things we have found in the past include cracked or misaligned flues, water penetration issues, and excessive build up creosote—a leading cause of chimney fires.
So, let us help you align your expectations with reality. When you schedule your chimney scoping with Top To Bottom Services you may feel a warmth roll over you as if you are already in front of the roaring fire with that hot chocolate!
Should I include a Chimney Inspection when scheduling the home inspection?
You need to let us know when scheduling if you would like a chimney inspection added to your home’s inspection. We will coordinate with our inspector so they get the required equipment. This also ensures that you get all the reports on time.
So, if you are looking at a home in Maryland with an alluring fireplace, add a chimney inspection (scope) to your overall home inspection.
