5 Reasons to Conduct a Chimney Inspection and Cleaning When Buying a Home
Buying a new home is often a celebratory experience and a significant one. A professional chimney inspection and cleaning is an important part of this process for multiple reasons. With spring cleaning approaching and home buying season starting, the following highlights the importance of chimney inspections and cleaning, as well as other common questions about these services.
Why Conduct a Chimney Inspection and Cleaning When Buying a Home
The information accessible to home buyers and the requirements regarding chimney and fireplace systems in selling a house often vary depending on the regulations of your location, type of sale and more. Consequently, here’s why professional chimney inspections and cleaning are important for prospective buyers.
- Safety: As per Realtor.com, safety issues revealed by home inspections are one of the repairs that both buyers and sellers may need to address. For example, loans can be impacted for buyers, or sellers may be liable for the fixes. A chimney system is one component of a home with potential hazards, so buyers will want to ensure its safety through chimney inspection and cleaning, as well as any necessary repairs. While a fireplace or chimney may not outwardly show any significant problems, they may just not be visible at initial glance, such as creosote buildup. Therefore, detailed inspections such as a Level 2 inspection is essential.
- Performance: Whether it’s being used for ambiance or heating purposes, a chimney system needs to function properly. Efficient operations are both a matter of safety and performance. With chimney inspections and cleaning, that first fire in the fireplace of your new home is more likely to be a relaxing experience, instead of one filled with smoke, unusual odors or other dangers.
- Identifying problems: With help from a certified provider of chimney inspections and repairs near you, current issues can be resolved prior to initial use. They also help ensure that your chimney system will be able to function efficiently and reduce the potential for more extensive (and expensive) problems that may result from neglected maintenance. Especially if purchasing conditions don’t include home maintenance records or other details from the seller, your safety and the value of a potential home depend on your own chimney inspection and cleaning efforts.
- Negotiation: A home inspection often accompanies the home-buying process. However, this inspection may only include a superficial assessment of the chimney system. Therefore, the addition of a chimney inspection, specifically a Level 2 chimney inspection, provides a more thorough understanding of the chimney system’s condition. With that information, a buyer has more leverage to ask for work to be done or a fitting credit, if cleaning as well as chimney repairs or rebuilds are needed.
- Insurance: Insurance companies may ask for documentation from a qualified chimney inspection and cleaning company in order to provide home insurance. Since you’ll want to make sure that your new home is covered as soon as possible, insurance is just one more reason to schedule professional care now.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Chimney Inspections and Cleaning
Why is it best to request a Level 2 chimney inspection?
Although there are three levels of chimney inspections, as explained by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, Level 2 chimney inspections are specifically highlighted for home sales. This inspection is more thorough than a Level 1 inspection but less invasive than a Level 3 assessment, which may require removing parts of the chimney or building. Often, through the use of video equipment for hard-to-see areas, a Level 2 chimney inspection evaluates many interior and exterior components of the chimney. Of particular importance to potential buyers and new homeowners, the Level 2 inspection is the one that assesses how suitable a chimney is for use.
Why do I need an inspection if I already plan to have the cleaning done?
Without knowing the condition of the chimney, chimney cleaning efforts can result in further damage. Generally, typical wear and tear from regular use necessitates annual cleaning. If a chimney system and its maintenance have been neglected, even more severe problems may be present. Additionally, any safety hazards or repair needs may not be identified with cleaning alone. Consequently, comprehensive care is necessary for your safety. At Spotless Chimney, performing a Level 2 chimney inspection is typically our first step in chimney care.
How frequently do I need to have inspections and cleaning once I’m in my new home?
Especially if you haven’t lived in a home with a fireplace before, be aware that chimney care needs to be included in your home maintenance budget and schedule. Regular chimney services, such as chimney inspections, cleaning and repair, help ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of fireplaces or stove features in your home. As one of their home safety practices, the National Fire Protection Association recommends professional chimney inspection and cleaning to be done each year. Importantly, more frequent cleaning may be needed depending on the extent of chimney use, as well as fuel type and chimney condition.
If it’s not completed prior to purchasing your new home, then have a chimney inspection and cleaning done as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the well-being of any other residents. If you live in Connecticut and are looking for chimney inspection and repair near you, Spotless Chimney provides a comprehensive range of chimney services. To ensure your chimney system’s safe use, performance and beautiful appearance, contact us to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning today!
