A chimney is an integral part of a house, especially for those who live in areas with colder climates. It is responsible for drawing out the smoke and toxins from your fires, and it also plays a huge role in enhancing the aesthetic of the space. Some even use it to reduce heating costs in the wintertime.
That’s why, if you’re buying or selling a home with a fireplace or furnace, it’s important to get a level 2 chimney inspection completed. This type of inspection is more thorough than a level 1 inspection and can identify potential problems that could later be expensive to fix.
What’s the Difference between a Home Inspection & a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
One question we tend to get is… If I already had a home inspection, why do I need a chimney inspection too.
A home inspection is a top-to-bottom examination of the condition of a home. It’s important to have one before buying or selling a home so that you know what issues need to be addressed. That said, in a regular home inspection, the inspector isn’t required to check the interior of chimneys or flues. This means that you won’t get a thorough assessment of your chimney or flue. That’s where a level 2 chimney inspection comes in.
A level 2 chimney inspection is a more in-depth look at the chimney fireplace or home heating appliance, and it is recommended when there are certain factors present, such as a change in home ownership, renovations, or when the chimney has been damaged.
Long story short – a home inspection may reveal obvious damage to a chimney, but there are many things that could be missed or overlooked. If you want to ensure everything is spotted before closing the sale of the home, a level 2 inspection should be completed by a certified chimney professional.
What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
A level 2 chimney inspection is a more comprehensive examination of the chimney than a level 1 inspection. In addition to everything that is checked during a level 1 inspection, a level 2 inspection also involves examining the chimney’s interior with a camera to check for hidden damage.
Although you can watch out for signs of deterioration on the surface of chimneys, often the problem starts from the inside. As such, you should make sure that your chimney is regularly inspected to prevent any potential dangerous issues – like smoke back-up, carbon monoxide leaks, and chimney fires – from occurring. A level 2 chimney inspection will give you peace of mind that your heating system is ready to use.
Why Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Important When Buying a Home?
This type of assessment is crucial when buying a home because it can help identify any potential problems that may exist with the chimney. Any damage to the chimney could potentially lead to the system not functioning as it should, and some issues might require some costly and time-consuming repairs.
By having a level 2 chimney inspection performed before buying a home, you can be sure that you are getting a sound investment, and that you’re not left paying for something that should have been addressed by the previous owners. A level 2 chimney inspection can give you peace of mind knowing that the home you are buying doesn’t have any hidden surprises waiting for you down the road.
Along with all this, chimney problems may also be indicators of other structural issues in the home. In the end, an affordable and thorough inspection is well worth it when you consider what you could be saving on potential repairs down the line.
Why Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Important When Selling a Home?
Having a chimney professional conduct a level 2 chimney inspection before selling your home is important for a different reason – it will help you get top dollar for your home, and it could help it sell quicker too.
When buyers are looking at properties, they’ll often request a home inspection as part of their due diligence. If the results of the chimney inspection reveal significant damage, it could be a deal breaker for many buyers.
It’s much better to know about any potential problems before listing your home so you can factor them into the asking price or make the necessary repairs upfront. Either way, you’ll be in a much better position to get most value possible out of your home, and to make sure the transaction proceeds smoothly and ethically.
What Does a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Process Entail?
When you hire certified level 2 chimney inspection professionals, the first thing they’ll do is take a look at the outside of your chimney. They will be looking for any obvious signs of damage, such as gaps in the bricks or mortar joints or any water-related issues. They’ll also check to see if the flashing (the metal that seals the area where the roof and chimney meet) is in good condition.
If everything looks good from the outside, the next step is to go inside your home and take a look at the fireplace and chimney from the inside. The inspector will be looking for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the liner or blockages in the flue. They’ll also check to see if there is any evidence of water damage.
If the chimney and fireplace seem to be in good condition, the next step is to conduct a video scan of the inside of the chimney. This will allow the inspector to get an up close look at the condition of the liner and flue without having to actually go inside the chimney.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a report that details their findings. If they find any problems, they will recommend that you have them repaired before buying or selling your home.
Give Us a Call Today
Planning a big move? Protect your family and investment by making sure the chimney is in good working order before you buy or sell your home. Call 703-379-5006 or reach out online today.
