Chimney inspectors near you

Absolutely. An annual inspection is a crucial safety measure that can prevent house fires by identifying dangerous creosote buildup or blockages. It also helps you catch structural damage or leaks before they lead to bigger issues.

A chimney inspector visually examines accessible parts of your chimney, flue, and fireplace for safety hazards. They’ll check for creosote buildup, blockages, water damage, and structural problems to ensure your system is safe to use. A standard visual inspection usually takes about an hour.

A complete home inspection involves a visual investigation of all major elements that make up your home. A home inspection is a vital part of buying or selling a home to ensure you’re not accidentally buying a termite-infested home or one with major structural defects. Paying for an inspection before purchasing a home can save you a lot of money in the long run. The national average home inspection cost is $310, with prices ranging higher or lower based on your location and the square footage of your home.

After performing a walk-through inspection, the pro should provide you a printed report — complete with photos and recommendations — detailing what’s in good condition, what would benefit from minor repairs, and what needs immediate attention. Home inspection pros know how to spot trouble areas, but they’re not licensed contractors, electricians or plumbers, so they may suggest you hire a licensed pro to address specific problems. Here are the main components that a home inspection covers:

• Home structure: Foundation, grading and drainage, roof covering, roof structure, interior and exterior attic walls, ceilings and floors, interior and exterior doors, windows, stairways, fireplace and chimney, porches, balconies, decks, attached carports, and crawl space.

• Electrical: HVAC system, heating equipment, cooling equipment, ductwork and vents, fixtures and switches, branch circuits, receptacles, service entrance and panels.

• Plumbing: Water heater and equipment, drains, waste systems, vents, and plumbing fixtures.

• Appliances: Garage door openers, garbage disposal, dishwasher, exhaust range, range hood, bathroom exhaust fans, cooktop, oven and microwave.

It usually takes between thirty minutes and two hours for a professional to complete a chimney inspection, depending on:

• Level of inspection: A basic visual check is much faster than a more in-depth inspection that uses cameras to see inside the flue.

• Accessibility: If the chimney is difficult to access safely, either from the roof or inside, the inspection will take longer.

• Chimney condition: A very dirty chimney or one with clear signs of damage requires more time for a thorough assessment.

• Size and complexity: Inspecting a large, complex chimney with multiple flues takes more time than a simple, single-flue chimney.

• Documentation: The time it takes for the pro to write up a detailed report and explain their findings is also part of the total duration.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

It’s recommended that you have your chimney inspected at least once a year. An annual inspection ensures there are no dangerous creosote buildups or blockages from debris like animal nests. It also helps spot structural problems or leaks that can cause fire hazards or expensive repairs.

The cost of a chimney inspection will vary based on:

• Level of inspection: Chimney inspections come in three levels. A level one inspection is a basic visual check, while a level two inspection uses a camera to see inside the flue. Higher levels require more time and equipment, which increases the cost.

• Chimney accessibility: If your chimney is on a steep roof or is very tall, the pro may need extra safety gear or ladders to access it. This can add to the labor costs.

• Number of flues: Some chimneys have more than one flue, especially if you have multiple fireplaces or appliances connected to it. Each flue needs to be inspected individually, which can affect the final price.

• Creosote buildup: If your chimney has a heavy buildup of creosote, it will likely need to be cleaned before a thorough inspection can happen. This sweeping service is usually a separate charge.

• Additional findings: An inspection might uncover other issues that need attention. For example, signs of water entry could suggest the need for a separate mold inspection or repairs to the chimney crown, which would be quoted separately.

When looking for a professional for chimney inspection services, make sure you:

• Verify their license and insurance: Look for professionals certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) . They should also carry general liability insurance to protect your home. Remember that specific licensing requirements vary by region.

• Get several estimates: A proper estimate should be a written document that details the level of inspection (one, two, or three) they recommend. It should also clearly outline the cost for the inspection and any potential repairs.

• Read their reviews: Good signs in reviews include mentions of punctuality, thoroughness, and cleanliness. Red flags often involve upselling unnecessary repairs, leaving a mess, or providing vague reports.

• Look at their portfolios: Check for photos of their past work, especially for repairs like fixing cracks or replacing liners. This helps you gauge their experience and the quality of their work on different types of chimneys.

• Find out if they have warranties: The inspection itself won’t have a warranty, but any repairs they perform should. Ask about guarantees on services like masonry work or waterproofing.

• Ask important questions: Before you hire, ask questions like, “Are you CSIA-certified?”, “What level of inspection do you recommend and why?”, and “How will you document your findings?”