Explain the reason for the visit
A purchase evaluation raises different questions from a proposed stove installation. Send the relevant prior reports and appliance information. If access depends on a seller or property manager, arrange permission before the appointment.
Ask about internal imaging
Clarify how the internal flue surfaces and joints will be examined and which images you will receive. A camera is a tool within an inspection; a short camera recording alone does not establish that the complete agreed scope was performed.
Plan access beyond the hearth
Accessible attics, crawl spaces and other areas may be relevant. Tell the company about locked spaces, stored belongings and fragile finishes. Ask how access limitations will be recorded and whether another visit may be necessary.
Understand what remains concealed
Level 2 does not mean every wall or enclosure is opened. If a suspected hazard cannot be evaluated with this scope, ask the inspector to identify the remaining question and recommend an appropriate next step.
Use the findings in a decision
Request component-specific findings and clear priorities. A buyer can share the report with relevant advisers; a homeowner can use it to obtain comparable repair scopes. Inspection results do not guarantee future performance.
The evidence desk / Worked example
From a finding to a defensible scope
Illustrative homeowner scenario. This is not an actual inspection report or a prescription for your property.
A home-purchase report includes interior flue images, but the buyer cannot connect them to the upstairs fireplace.
More imagery is only useful when it is tied to the correct system. Ask the inspector to identify the appliance, flue and position of each relevant image. When several flues share a chimney structure, documentation needs to distinguish them rather than using the street address as the only identifier.
Ask for the missing evidence
- Label each appliance and flue in the report.
- Ask how the interior examination was performed and what it could not show.
- Request an explanation of the recommended action for each finding.
Before authorizing the work
Confirm the included systems, accessible areas, report format, cleaning required for visibility and any separate charge for further access. If the visit supports a transaction, agree on delivery timing before booking without asking the inspector to predetermine the result.
At completion
Keep the full report and original image files with the property handover records. A summarized real-estate checklist should not replace the chimney report.
Keep this question open
A camera image has a field of view and limitations. Ask what remains unassessed and whether any finding warrants further investigation before use.
The scope checklist
Use these items to compare written proposals for this service.
- Explain the reason for the visit
- Ask about internal imaging
- Plan access beyond the hearth
- Understand what remains concealed
- Use the findings in a decision
Common exclusions to clarify
- Related appliance or building repairs unless expressly included
- Additional access or return visits outside the agreed scope
- Independent guarantees of future safe operation
Questions answered
Chimney service FAQs
When should I ask about level 2 chimney inspection?
A property transfer, appliance or fuel change, operating malfunction or potentially damaging event can call for a Level 2 inspection. Discuss the trigger and the applicable scope with a qualified inspector; do not book solely by the cheapest inspection label.
What should be recorded before work starts?
A purchase evaluation raises different questions from a proposed stove installation. Send the relevant prior reports and appliance information. If access depends on a seller or property manager, arrange permission before the appointment.
What should I keep after the visit?
Request component-specific findings and clear priorities. A buyer can share the report with relevant advisers; a homeowner can use it to obtain comparable repair scopes. Inspection results do not guarantee future performance.
Check the source
References & further reading
- CSIA: chimney inspection levels (historical overview, 2000) ↗
Historical background on inspection levels; not the current code text. Confirm the applicable edition and scope with the inspecting professional.
Published by Chimney Sweep Guide. General homeowner information; no claim of an on-site inspection or professional certification. Suggest a correction.