Home buyers should schedule fireplace and chimney inspections as most standard home inspections don’t look closely at them. There are three levels of chimney inspection. Make sure you get the right one. The most common problems include creosote accumulation, carbon monoxide leakage, structural damage, clogging and moisture intrusion. Buyers can use the inspection results to negotiate repairs or credits before closing. Homeowners should schedule inspections annually for safety and maintenance.
When exploring the house, it’s easy to look at the fireplace and spend the cold winter next to the crackling warmth of your favorite blanket. But what you can’t see can cost you.
This is why fireplace inspections, also known as chimney inspections, become important. A certified chimney inspector will look into everything from fireboxes and hearths to chimney flues, ventilation systems and exteriors to make them safe, functional and usable.
For home buyers, this additional inspection can reveal hidden safety hazards and alert you of expensive repairs before closing. And if you already own your home, having it checked before the first fire of the season is that the only thing you need to worry about is drinking cocoa or maldo cider.
Do I need to inspect the fireplace?
If your home has a fireplace or chimney, or if you are buying a home with a home, you will need to inspect the fireplace. Even if you don’t use a fireplace, your home may be at risk of indoor air pollution, chimney failure, or fire capture.
Fireplaces can look good from the outside, but they experience more stress than you notice. They not only consistently hold strong heat, but also smoke and withstand the elements year by year.
Redfin tips:
An inspection of the fireplace and chimney is a must before lit a fire in your home. Lighting the fire with a pointless fireplace can put you and your home at risk of home fires and other health and safety issues. Look for chimney signs that pop out and crackle. Thick smoke; and a clear burning smell.
Common problems discovered during chimney inspection
The most common problems found by licensed fireplace inspectors appear to be:
Creosote accumulation: flammable residues from wood burning that can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Carbon monoxide leaks: Cracks and blockages allow this odorless, deadly gas to enter your home and make you sick, whether your fireplace is gas or woody. Structural Damage: Cracks in bricks, mortar, or flue liners can weaken the chimney and increase the risk of fire hazards. Obstructions and debris: A nest, leaves, or animal can block airflow and back up smoke and gas to release it into the home. Moisture and Mold: When water or moisture slips into the structure, it can cause mold growth, break down chimney material and penetrate the home.
Even if you don’t use your fireplace frequently, problems from moisture damage and animal nests can pop up over time. Make sure you and your home are safe when you choose to inspect your chimney when you buy a home or before the cold month begins.
Different levels and costs of fireplace inspections
According to the Chimney Safety Institute (CSIA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets standards for inspection of chimneys and fireplaces and breaks them down into three levels. What you need depends on whether you just need to maintain, buy a home, or address major issues.
Level 1: 30-60 minutes, $75-$150
Fastest and cheapest; often included as part of a basic chimney sweep
If you use your fireplace regularly and have not changed your ventilation or fuel system, a level 1 inspection is usually sufficient. The inspector examines the firebox, accessible components of the damper, and some of the chimneys that can be viewed. The goal here is to make sure nothing is damaged or out of place and make sure there are no obvious safety hazards. Some family inspectors will perform this basic check on standard reports and recommend the next level of inspection if you run into a red flag.
Level 2: 1-2 hours, $150-$500
More thorough; Costs vary based on home size, camera usage and accessibility
If you are buying or selling a home, or if there are changes to your fireplace or chimney, Level 2 inspections are the way to proceed. In addition to all of Level 1, it includes more comprehensive inspections using special tools or video scans of flue. A professional chimney inspector will check the attic, crawl space, or basement around the chimney for signs of damage. This is a standard fireplace inspection for most home buyers, and some insurance providers need to complete this level to know that the fireplace and chimney are in good condition before closing.
Level 3: Changes – Over a few hours, Over $1,000
Since you can open walls and masonry, the cost depends on how invasive the work is
Level 3 inspections are rare, but are reserved for situations where there may be serious problems or situations where the chimney needs to be rebuilt. Inspections for a Level 3 fireplace require you to remove the chimney and some of the surrounding walls to see what’s going on inside. It’s more invasive, but if there’s something hidden like serious internal damage or risk of fire, it’s the only way to find it.
What is included in a fireplace inspection?
When scheduling fireplace and chimney inspections, be aware that there is a difference between chimney sweep and chimney inspectors. Chimney sweep cleans fireplaces and flues, but licensed fireplaces and chimney inspectors are trained to look for fireplace systems safety and other issues.
The report can expect fireplace inspectors to:
Structure check
Inspectors will examine fireboxes, chimneys, mortars, mortars, and linings for cracks, gaps or damage that could compromise safety.
Flue inspection
Using a flashlight or a special camera, look inside the flue and check for creosote buildup, cracks, or blockages, leading to unwanted fire or lack of ventilation.
Draft and ventilation tests
Proper airflow is extremely important. Inspectors will test the draft to ensure that smoke and gas are ventilated correctly and prevent leaks into the home.
Obstruction search
Animal nests, leaves, or debris can block the chimney. Inspectors should carefully check for obstructions that may affect safety or efficiency.
Caps and dampers ratings
Chimney caps avoid rain and animals, while dampers control airflow. The inspector will make sure both open, close, and properly seal to protect your home.
What to do after inspection of the fireplace and chimney?
Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a report with comments about the fireplace and chimney condition, including safety concerns.
The most common recommendations that arise from a fireplace inspection include scheduling professional chimney cleaning, repairing cracked and damaged liners, and upgrading parts such as caps and dampers. Even if you can’t find any major issues, setting a regular maintenance schedule to keep your fireplace safe and efficient is key.
When purchasing a home, any major issues found during fireplace inspections can be requested during negotiations to request repairs or price adjustments before closing. Current homeowners should treat fireplace and chimney inspections as annual check-in to ensure a comfortable, worry-free fire during the season.
Fireplace inspection FAQ
How often should I inspect my fireplace?
The NFPA recommends at least one fireplace inspection per year, regardless of how often you use it. Even if the fireplace is not in use, it will only attract moisture damage and animal debris or wear over time. It is also a good idea to inspect your fireplace following extreme weather events if chimneys or ventilation changes are made or before buying a house in the chimney.
Is a Level 2 fireplace inspection always necessary when purchasing?
When buying and selling a home, we highly recommend inspecting a Level 2 fireplace (or chimney); In some areas, it is necessary. Standard home inspections do not cover detailed chimney checks, so getting a Level 2 inspection is a wise way to protect yourself from later repairs and dangers.
Even if you don’t plan on using a fireplace, you can have other issues, such as flue mold and weak chimneys, which can affect your safety and your ability to get insurance.
What is the average cost of a chimney inspection?
Chimney inspections range from $75 to $500 depending on the level. Level 1 is the cheapest, Level 2 is the most common, usually for a few hundred dollars, while Level 3 is used for serious problems, but can run over $1,000.
