Buying Or Selling A Property? Schedule Your Real Estate Inspection!
When you’re buying or selling a property, it can be an exciting and stressful time. You need to know that the value of the property you’re buying aligns with what you’re investing in it. Naturally, you’ll have the home inspector evaluate the property and you’ll likely have it appraised. But what about the fireplace and chimney? Is anyone taking a good look at the chimney system and checking for damage, problems, blockages, or concerns? Many people assume the home inspector is doing that, but the truth is, most home inspectors are only going to evaluate and inspect what’s visible to the naked eye. They may check the flashing, chimney cap, and firebox, but without proper tools and equipment, as well as an extensive knowledge of chimneys and fireplaces, the home inspector’s not going to be able to get a true idea of what kind of condition the chimney system is in.
The best way to protect yourself and get an accurate and thorough evaluation of the chimney system from top to bottom, inside and out, is to schedule a real estate inspection with a certified chimney professional. Those of us here at The Chimney Guy are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). We’re also members of the WI Association of Home Inspectors and can provide you with the detailed evaluation and report you need to buy or sell your property with confidence.
What Will A Real Estate Inspection Reveal That A Home Inspector Would Miss?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the CSIA recommend that you have a Level II chimney inspection performed when a property is changing hands. Level II real estate inspections make use of video scanning technology, which allows us to see things that a home inspector with a flashlight would miss.
During the inspection, we feed a camera into the chimney flue and scan the walls, checking for cracks, holes, buildup, blockages, and damage. With this equipment, we can see the interior of the chimney up close and focus on areas that look concerning. We’re also able to capture photographs to include in the report we provide to you. This can be great for insurance purposes or negotiating purposes, and can prevent you from getting stuck with a massive chimney repair bill or a fire or safety hazard that you were unaware of at the time of the sale.
Schedule Your Real Estate Inspection Today
Are you purchasing or selling a home? Schedule a real estate inspection with The Chimney Guy before you close! Call 920-830-1920 or fill out our online appointment request form to get started.
Be sure a safety and performance inspection is on your to-do list for annual chimney maintenance. You can rest easier knowing the chimney inspection has revealed any problems so they can be addressed before the next burn season.