The real estate world has been buzzing lately, and many are finding themselves engaged in some type of transfer of property. If this is the case for you, then you’re probably working on a long checklist of duties like packing up items, renting a moving truck, deep cleaning your living space, and more.
That said, one of the things highest on your to-do list is likely the home inspection. Home inspections help to establish a fair price point, ensuring the sellers get what they deserve and the buyers don’t end up overpaying – a win for every party involved!
That said, home inspectors don’t always see it all in terms of damage. If your inspection is already done and the tech didn’t have much to say about the chimney and fireplace, you’re probably thinking you’re good to go. If nothing was spotted, then there shouldn’t be anything to fix, right?
Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case.
You see, home inspectors aren’t actually required to do a thorough inspection of the chimney. They essentially just look over the readily accessible components, make note of anything that looks off, then move onto the next area of your home. This means numerous things (one being the flue itself) end up getting missed.
They’re also not required to check if a sweeping is in order, test the pilot light, inspect any fuel-fed devices, do a analysis of your draft, perform a smoke test, or perform an National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) style inspection (among other things).
Now, this can be unsettling news to hear, but the fortunate thing for homeowners throughout Charlottesville is that the team at The Chimney Guys can help. If you’re buying or selling property, then schedule a level 2 real estate video inspection with us today!
How Important is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Before Buying/Selling a Home?
A level 2 inspection is so important to invest in that the NFPA actually requires it before the transfer of property is complete! The difference between what we do and what a home inspector will do is that we’ll take the time to inspect it all. If that means going into the attic or a crawlspace, we’ll do it!
We’ll also put our high-tech camera equipment to use. We’ll snake a camera up your chimney ensuring no areas are missed and any and all imperfections are acknowledged and addressed.
Let’s face it – the last thing someone wants is to move into their dream home, only to discover costly chimney repairs are then in order. Guarantee a smoother transaction and less stress down the line by calling on our friendly crew for it all.
What Does a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Entail?
So, what can you expect from a level chimney inspection from our team?
Well, as in a level 1 inspection, we’ll inspect all readily available areas of the chimney. Along with this, we’ll check the condition of the flue, as well as how well the liner and interior materials are holding up. Then we’ll move onto the masonry, checking for any flaws, cracks, or structural issues.
We’ll also look at the exterior components (like the chimney cap, crown, etc.) to see how they’re holding up against those nasty outdoor weather conditions that tend to take a toll (like rain, sleet, snow, and more).
We even check out the foundation to see if it has shifted at all. And if any installation issues are spotted? We’ll note that, too, and advise you on the proper ways to address them.
Finally, we’ll make certain your system is an appropriate distance away from any combustibles. This minimizes the risk of house fires significantly, guaranteeing a safer burning season this upcoming fall.
As a Homeowner, What Can I Look Out For?
Many customers ask us if there are any warning signs they can watch out for regarding their chimney’s health. We definitely want homeowners to keep an eye out for any obvious warning signs like crumbling masonry, missing chimney components, or a lack of overall efficiency.
That said, when it comes right down to it, the unfortunate fact is that most fireplaces don’t have obvious warning signs of trouble. They’ll look strong, sturdy, and dependable from the outsides, but could easily have dangerous and harmful issues looming on the inside. These issues are hard to detect, especially if you’re not trained in chimney knowledge.
What you really need is a detailed inspection report from a certified chimney inspector to make sure that your system is actually safe for use – not just appearing that way!
My Inspection is Done! Who Sees the Results?
After performing an inspection, we typically just share our overview with whoever is paying for the service.
That being said, if you’re the one buying the home, we strongly recommend requesting a full inspection report. This ensures you get a detailed description of the state of the chimney – not just a simple receipt of sale.
We also recommend you speak with the tech that did the inspection, if possible. This is a surefire way to ensure all of your bases are covered and you aren’t left with costly, time-consuming repairs after the sale is completed.
You Deserve Peace of Mind – Call on Our Team Now!
The Chimney Guys crew is licensed, insured, and CSIA-certified, so you can rest easier knowing we’ve got your back through it all. The last thing anyone needs during the home buying/selling process is another thing to be stressed out about, so let us take one thing off your plate.
We look forward to hearing from you – call now.
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