Chimney inspections for real estate professionals
What to tell your buyer or seller about a chimney, fireplace or stove before closing, and what our findings should answer.
Home inspection or chimney inspection?
Tell your buyer not to assume the two share a scope. The buyer can ask the home inspector which chimney components were examined and whether a chimney inspection is recommended.
If the home has a fireplace, stove or chimney the buyer plans to use, our inspection before closing reports its condition and any work to plan for. The buyer can also ask the seller for past service records.
Documents to gather
Buyers
- A list of each fireplace, stove, insert and flue
- Model information, installation records and permits
- Earlier inspection reports and repairs
Sellers
- Past service records
- Earlier inspection findings
- Operating manuals and maintenance records
What to ask for when booking
Ask for the inspection scope, cleaning areas, report format, and exclusions to be written separately so you can compare proposals.
- The reason for the inspection and the scope it covers
- Which flues and appliances are included
- Whether a camera examination is part of it
- What is excluded, such as cleaning or repairs
How the inspection works
Request clear photographs, findings by appliance or flue, limits of inspection, recommended repairs, and guidance about use. Keep unresolved questions in writing before making a decision.
The whole system
We identify what each flue serves, then examine the accessible chimney from the firebox to the top.
Findings and limits
We explain what was examined, what could not be reached, and any defects, with a recommendation about using the fireplace.
Your decision on next steps
If a repair or further evaluation is recommended, it is estimated separately and you decide how to proceed.
Keep the record
Keep the findings with your home documents. They help the next inspection, and a future buyer may ask for them.
What the buyer or seller receives
- The findings and any photographs taken
- Which appliance each flue serves
- Any estimate for recommended work
Reading a repair proposal
Each recommended repair should have a reason. Ask for labeled photographs or report references, the proposed materials, and an explanation of why the scope is appropriate.
Ask whether the estimate includes investigation of water entry and how concealed damage will be handled. A written change-order process makes additional work easier to evaluate before you approve it.
Look for exclusions, payment milestones, change-order approval, warranties in writing, and cancellation terms. Resolve unclear items before signing; use qualified local advice for contract questions.
When to stop and call for help
If there is a gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, active fire, or substantial smoke indoors, leave the building and contact emergency services from outside.
Sources
- U.S. Fire Administration: Heating Fire Safety ↗Source checked September 10, 2026.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet ↗Source checked September 10, 2026.
- U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Pipeline Leak Recognition and What to Do ↗Source checked September 10, 2026.
- National Park Service: Common Problems with Brick Masonry ↗Source checked September 10, 2026.
Request an inspection estimate.
A buyer or seller can request an estimate and choose “Buying or selling a home” as the reason.
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.