Chimney inspection scope for home inspectors
What our chimney inspection covers and leaves out, and where it picks up from your home inspection.
Where our inspection picks up
Your home inspection sets its own scope at the chimney. Ours is set out below: what it examines, what is estimated separately and what it leaves out.
The homeowner books our inspection directly and says why it is needed, such as a home purchase, a chimney fire, water or an appliance change.
What our inspection covers
We examine the accessible chimney, flue, firebox and connections, and explain what we found, what we could not see, and what should happen next.
Included
- Identifying each fireplace, stove or appliance and the flue it uses
- The accessible chimney exterior, crown, cap and flashing
- The firebox, damper, smoke chamber and accessible flue
- A camera look inside the flue when the reason for the visit calls for it
- Findings that separate what was seen from what could not be reached
Estimated separately
- A chimney cleaning, if deposits hide the flue or the system is due
- Repairs the inspection points to, each estimated separately
Not included
- Opening walls, ceilings or finished surfaces to reach concealed parts
- Testing or repairing gas valves, controls or appliance internals
- Repair work; that is scoped after the findings
When a camera is used
When the inside of the flue cannot be seen well enough from the firebox or the top, or when the reason for the visit, such as a chimney fire or water entry, calls for a closer look. It is agreed as part of the scope.
When cleaning comes first
Not automatically. If heavy deposits hide the flue, a cleaning may be needed before it can be seen properly. The estimate should say which is included.
Cleaning scope depends on the system, deposits, and access. Ask whether the inspection is included and what happens if a defect is discovered.
How the findings are recorded
A multi-flue chimney can serve more than one appliance. Request a report that identifies which flue has the concern, where the defect was observed, and which appliance it serves.
The findings should answer
- What was examined, and what could not be reached
- Any defects, and where they are
- Whether the fireplace or appliance should be used until repairs are made
- Whether further evaluation is recommended, and why
The homeowner receives
- The findings and any photographs taken
- Which appliance each flue serves
- Any estimate for recommended work
When use should pause
Smoke entering a room is a reason to stop using the fireplace. Leave immediately if there is a carbon monoxide alarm, significant smoke, or anyone feels unwell; call emergency services from outside.
Debris or an inspection report may raise a liner concern, but the repair depends on the actual system and defect. Keep the connected appliance unused pending qualified advice.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet ↗Source checked September 10, 2026.
Request an inspection estimate.
The homeowner can request an estimate and say why the inspection is needed, such as a home purchase.
Request an estimateA request does not confirm an appointment.
Have ready
- Stop using the fireplace or stove and let it cool before the visit.
- Say why you are booking: a routine check, a home purchase, a chimney fire, water, or an appliance change.
- Gather earlier reports, appliance manuals, and any model label you can see without opening anything.
- Arrange access to the rooms, attic or basement the chimney passes through, including any shared spaces.