Schedule Your Level 2 Real Estate Chimney Inspection With Our Experts
Home inspectors have an important – and necessary – job. Here’s the thing, though… Home inspectors don’t specialize in chimney systems or fireplaces. They may have a bit of general knowledge, but when they complete an overview of your heating system, it will only cover the basics – which means, come time to eventually light a fire in your new home, you could be facing some unexpected (and very expensive-to-address) issues.
Guarantee a smoother, safer, and more thorough home sale transaction by booking a real estate chimney inspection with us. Call 978-552-3332 or request an appointment online today.
Does My Home Inspector Perform a Chimney Inspection?
Kind of. They do a quick overview, looking for any obvious issues. This includes any readily accessible areas, your damper doors, and your cleanout doors and frames.
All that said, according the InterNACHI, a home inspector is not required to:
- inspect the flue or vent system
- inspect the interior of the chimney or flues
- inspect fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels
- determine if a chimney sweep is needed
- operate gas fireplace inserts or light pilot flames
- determine correct installation
- inspect automatic fuel-fed devices
- inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices
- inspect heat-distribution assists
- determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics
- move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents
- perform a smoke test
- dismantle or remove any component
In other words, they’re not performing a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection or even a phase one fireplace and chimney inspection.
In the end, this isn’t going to be very informative on whether or not there are issues hidden within your chimney – unless they’re blatantly obvious. This has left many new homeowners frustrated when they discover thousands of dollars worth of damage long after the sale of the property is complete and finalized.
What’s Done During a Real Estate Chimney Inspection?
A real estate chimney inspection will be the same as a level 2 chimney inspection. This includes the following:
- a visual inspection of your entire flue system
- a full overview of both interior and exterior components of the chimney
- an examination of any chimney parts in your attic or crawlspace
- the removal of doors or panels with basic tools to get full visual access
- the use of camera equipment to get an in-depth analysis of the entire interior
Once we’re through, we’ll know exactly where your system stands. We’ll be able to provide you with the results of our findings, then move forward with any suggested maintenance to get your system functioning safely and efficiently.
Buying or Selling a Home? Give Us a Call
If you’re in the market for a new home, don’t gloss over the chimney inspection. Let us check things over, so every fire in your new space is as enjoyable as possible.
Call us at 978-552-3332 or book your appointment with us online today.
For every chimney inspection we perform, we do a professional video scan. That way you can actually see any problem.