Scheduling a Real Estate Video Inspection With Our Knowledgeable Team Can Save You Money & Frustration

When you’re buying or selling a property, it can be an exciting time. But there’s no doubt a lot of stress is involved in the process, too. Hiring the right people to help you out every step of the way can make everything go a lot smoother and easier. And that means hiring the right realtor, the right home inspector…and the right chimney company?

Wait, why do you need to call a chimney company when you’re buying or selling a home? Good question.

Many assume that their home inspector will cover it all when evaluating the home. They technically look at the chimney, so if they say everything is a-okay, then you should be good to go, right? Eh, not so much.

Most home inspectors have a specific protocol they follow, and this typically won’t involve an in-depth analysis of the chimney interior. Many buyers think their new home has been fully assessed, when in reality, their chimney needs a lot of expensive work. Unfortunately, they’re unlikely to discover this hidden damage until the following burning season.

The only way to guarantee you know your chimney’s true condition prior to buying or selling is to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to perform a level 2 real estate video inspection.

Home Inspection vs. Level 2 Certified Sweep Inspection: What’s the Difference?

So, what does the home inspector cover when it comes to the chimney? The main areas they inspect include these:

• Any readily available, visible, or easy-to-access areas of the chimney or fireplace
• The horizontal frame that sits above the firebox opening (aka the lintel)
• Whether or not the damper is opening and closing easily (if easily accessible)
• The cleanout doors and frames

Once their analysis is complete, they’ll note any sign of joint separation, as well as any damage, decay, or deterioration throughout the hearth. If they were able to test the damper, they’ll mention any malfunctions with that, as well. And finally, they’ll determine if your cleanouts are made from appropriate materials.

As far as chimney condition goes, these observations only cover the basics. Home inspectors aren’t required to look at your flue’s interior, observe the doors or screens, check on the seals and gaskets, or test the appliance’s functionality at all.

Your pilot light could be out, something could be installed incorrectly, or you could have creosote buildup, and the inspector would have no idea! And that’s just a few of the many things that could be missed in their overview.

A CSIA-certified sweep, on the other hand, will cover every nook and cranny. A level 2 chimney inspection requires the use of video equipment, so nothing will be missed. It’s the only way to guarantee you get a fair and accurate analysis during the transfer of property.

What Does a Level 2 Real Estate Video Inspection Entail?

When you hire The Chimney Guys to provide a level 2 inspection for your Charlottesville home, what can you expect?

Well, to start, everything that your home inspector covers, we’ll cover that, too. Yet, unlike a home inspector who knows a little bit about a lot of things, we know a lot about one thing: chimney systems.

We have over 10 years of experience and have spent hundreds of hours training and working on chimneys and fireplaces. So you can bet we won’t miss even the smallest hint of damage!

Once we’ve got our basic overview completed, we’ll take it up a notch with our camera equipment. We snake a device up your flue, looking for any potential threat we can find along the way.

Not one chimney component or area will be left behind or overlooked. Since even a minor problem can turn disastrous, covering it all is a must. And that’s just what we do, giving you peace of mind and confidence before you close on a home.

Are You a Real Estate Agent or Project Manager? We Can Help You, Too

We don’t just work with homeowners. We also work with real estate agents and property managers. Realtors love that we help them protect their clients by providing thorough evaluations. Having an accurate assessment can save homeowners money and even help with pricing negotiations. And project managers love us because we help them buy and sell properties with total peace of mind.

Whether you’re buying a home, selling your home, or doing both at once, we’re the team to trust throughout this time. Give us a call now to schedule an appointment. We can be reached at 434-481-3796, and we’d love to make the buying/selling process a little less stressful for you and your family or client.

Our chimney sweepings and inspections experts will perform any kind of chimney inspection you need, so contact us today.