Chimney Inspection

Important: The following is our protocol on every appointment. We feel that every chimney should be inspected, but only swept as necessary. That way we aren't wasting our client's money on unnecessary services. Your first appointment with us always starts off as a level one inspection or level two inspection depending on the circumstances. We don't do free estimates.

Level One Inspection - $199

Circumstances that may prompt you to get a level one inspection:

  • Annual inspection.
  • During a routine sweeping if it’s determined that an inspection is needed.
  • Replacement of an appliance that is similar in type, input rating, and efficiency.

How we inspect the chimney:

This is a visual inspection performed with the naked eye. We generally do a curb side inspection of the exterior and typically don’t access the roof.

  • We inspect the readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure and flue (readily accessible means that we can inspect without the use of tools to remove doors, panels, or coverings).
  • Check for obstruction of combustible deposits in the flue.
  • Check for basic appliance installation and connection.

What the inspection is intended to determine:

Verification for suitability of continued use under the same conditions using the same appliance or appliances.

Time it takes to complete:

Actual inspection takes 20 to 30 minutes. Completing the report takes 25 to 30 minutes. If a sweeping is recommended it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Level Two Inspection - $299

Circumstances that may prompt you to get a level two inspection:

  • Sale or transfer of a property.
  • After an operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage.
  • Upon addition or removal of a connected appliance of dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency.
  • Prior to relining of replacement of flue lining.
  • Note that if we recommend a level two inspection and you still opt for a level one, then it shall be indicated in your inspection report as such.

How we inspect the chimney:

A level two inspection includes all aspects of a level one inspection as well as a video inspection. We take still photos of damage only. We inspect the following:

  • Accessible portions of the chimney exterior.
  • Accessible portions of the attic.
  • Accessible portions of crawl spaces.
  • Accessible portions of the basement.
  • Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection.

Accessible means exposed or capable of being exposed for operation or inspection, maintenance or repair without damaging the chimney or finish, but may require the removal of doors, panels, or coverings using commonly available tools.

What the inspection is intended to determine:

Verification for suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service. A level one inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney.

Time it takes to complete:

Actual inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes. Completing the report takes 30 to 45 minutes. If a sweeping is recommended it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Important Information About Your Inspection

  • We do a level one inspection for $199, unless your circumstances prompt a level two inspection which is $299. Please review the inspection information above as to the circumstances that prompt what level of inspection may be necessary.
  • If we determine that the chimney needs swept, then it’s an additional $100, but it must be done on the day that the recommendation was made so please allow for the time. See the sweeping section that pertains to your appliance or fireplace prior to our arrival to be prepared in the event that we recommend it be swept.
  • If the creosote is sufficiently bad to the point to where a routine sweep won’t suffice, then it will necessitate a mechanical cleaning in collaboration with chemicals for an additional cost between $1,100-$1,800 (depending on the extent and nature of the buildup).
  • If you opt out of the recommended sweep, then you will be responsible for a trip charge of $125 for our time because we cannot inspect a dirty chimney.
  • If you hire us to inspect your chimney and it’s a vent free product that doesn’t use a chimney or if you don’t have a chimney, then you will be responsible for a trip charge of $125 for our time.
  • If you fail to give us 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation by mail or email, then you shall be responsible for the full cost of the scheduled service unless you can provide reasonable proof of extenuating circumstances that prevented you from contacting us.
  • Inspecting or sweeping a chimney doesn’t make it functional. In fact, the inspection is done to help ascertain whether or not the chimney has deficiencies. In the event that deficiencies exist, Advance Chimney Sweeps will prepare an estimate just as long as we provide said service.

Real Estate Transactions

Home inspections and chimney inspections are two completely different services; therefore, we cannot accept the findings of a home inspection to its entirety in relationship to the chimney. We are required to perform our own inspection as to establish our own findings. Home inspectors provide a valuable service to their clients and while they may know many things about many aspects of the home, they are not chimney professionals. Their primary function is to establish a baseline on whether or not a chimney needs swept or if any obvious defects exist within the chimney itself, but ultimately chimney sweeping and inspections should always be deferred to a CSIA certified chimney professional.

I would recommend Advance Chimney Sweep to everyone with a fireplace and will call them next time we need chimney service or repair. — Brandon D.
Trust the Chimney Experts For the safety of your home and family, trust the area's most reliable and experienced chimney company.
  • CSIA Certified Employees
  • NFI Gas Certified Employees
  • PA Chimney Sweep
    Guild Member
  • Sweeping Chimneys
    Since 1996
  • National Chimney
    Sweep Guild Member
  • Members of the BBB
  • Workers Compensation Insurance
  • General Liability Insurance
Learn More
Serving Pittsburgh &
Southwest PA Since 1996
logo logo logo logo logo