Everything You Need to Know About Chimney Inspection

Chimney Inspection

Have you found the perfect home that meets your needs and expectations? Congratulations!

But for now, you need to put all that excitement aside and play smart, i.e., get a level 2 chimney inspection.

It’s especially important if you notice the chimney has not been used for some time. There will be telltale signs of that, like accumulated dust, etc. We are not saying that you don’t need a chimney inspection in other cases; just that if the chimney hasn’t been used for a while, you need to be more careful.

Yes, we heard your objection that you had already scheduled a home inspection, which covered the chimney. But that only involved a level 1 inspection. A level 2 chimney inspection is due. Another thing, don’t be like most buyers who think about getting a chimney inspection right after signing the contract. That is a gamble, and it might turn the seller off. Evidently, if you’re paying for a house with a fireplace, it must have been one of the major selling points for you, especially when you’re hoping to use it this winter. And you might not be the only one eyeing that house; things could still be competitive, and you might lose the opportunity to have that luxurious house.

This is why we advise getting the chimney inspection before sealing the contract. You would know that the house you’re fangirling about is really worth it. After all, you don’t want the house of your dreams to turn into the house of nightmares (just saying – we wish the best for you).

Now that you’ve started thinking about the Level 2 chimney inspection, it’d be better to know more about it. In this blog, we will discuss these inspections in detail, so without further ado, let’s start.

How to Inspect A Chimney: DIY or Hiring A Professional?

We did state that you need a level 2 chimney inspection, but what I really meant was getting a professional level 2 chimney inspection. So, if you’re planning a DIY inspection, you may change your plans now. Once you have bought the house, then you may take on small tasks, such as taking notes of changes in performance or cleaning the soot around the firebox. But conducting an entire inspection on your own? Not recommended. For this, you do need qualified chimney professionals.

When it comes to the condition of a chimney and the associated heating or fireplace system, there is a lot at stake. Also, if the home seller hasn’t maintained the chimney properly in the past, that could translate to serious risks. For this, it is better (in fact, emphasized) that you hire a local chimney inspector near you to thoroughly examine the chimney’s condition.

Questions to Ask the Inspector before Chimney Inspection

You don’t only need to perform your due diligence when buying a property but also when hiring someone to do the job. You need to fully question their potential and understand what they will be including in the inspection process. Here are some of the important questions you must ask an inspector before telling them to start the inspection.

  • Are you insured and licensed to perform chimney inspections?
  • How long have you been working as a chimney inspector?
  • What number of chimney inspections have you completed?
  • How long would the inspection take?
  • Will you also clean the chimney as part of your inspection process?
  • What equipment will you be using during the inspection?
  • Once done, will you provide a detailed report on the findings? Please share a sample report with me.
  • Will you be highlighting the recommended repairs for the chimney?

Signs that a Chimney Needs an Inspection

Let’s say the inspection report shows that there aren’t any major issues related to the chimney, and you can move forward with the purchase.

Now that you have bought the house, the story of chimney inspections doesn’t end there. You still need to give it equal attention and maintain it throughout your homeownership.

If you skip the regular chimney inspections, it will affect not only the home but also everyone inside it. So, getting regular or at least annual chimney inspections should be a part of your responsible homeownership formula.

However, apart from getting an inspection once a year, you might need to schedule one if you start noticing the following signs:

Burning Odor

The first factor that shall alarm you is: noticing a burning odor when using a fireplace or heating system. The smell could be caused by creosote buildup or other chemicals inside the fireplace. If you ignore these conditions, then it could lead to chimney fires. FYI, approximately 25,000 chimney fires are reported annually in the United States. These fires are responsible for significant property damage, estimated at over $125 million yearly.

Getting professional inspections will help in finding the root cause of the burning smell, and you might need to conduct a thorough chimney cleaning afterward.

Excessive Smoke

If you notice excessive smoke leaving your chimney or fireplace smoke entering your home, it’s better to contact an inspector ASAP. Excessive smoke is just a teaser for major air ventilation problems, or it could be because something is blocking the flue or water is seeping into it.

Poorly Burning Fires

If you notice a sudden change in your fireplace’s performance, then the system needs to be checked out. Fires that won’t start or poorly burning fires are all indications that something is off with your chimney. The professional chimney inspector will test the fireplace’s function and determine what’s causing the issue.

Conclusion

The cost of a chimney inspection can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of inspection, the region, and the condition of the chimney.

A basic Level 1 inspection, a visual check without special equipment, typically costs between $75 and $250. More comprehensive Level 2 inspections involving video scanning and other equipment to examine the internal structure can range from $200 to $500. If structural issues are suspected, a Level 3 inspection, which may require dismantling parts of the chimney, could cost more than $1,000.

Note: These are just estimates; the cost can vary from company to company and region to region.

However, you should consider these costs just a part of your investment in home safety, as regular chimney inspections help prevent fire hazards and ensure the chimney operates efficiently.

Ensure your home is safe and your chimney is in top condition with Top to Bottom Services! Our expert team offers thorough chimney inspections to identify and address any potential issues before they become costly repairs. Don’t wait for a problem to arise—schedule your professional chimney inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.