Buying a Home with a Fireplace? Here’s What You Need to Know About Chimney Inspections
That first look of a beautiful fireplace or wood-burning stove can be a deciding moment for homebuyers. Already envisioning afternoons spent in its warm ambiance on a cold Connecticut day, they may eagerly contact their real estate agent and excitedly make an offer. However, people interested in buying a home with a fireplace often run into issues after they settle in. As a result, consider adding a chimney inspection to the home-buying process (or shortly after moving in) to ensure your fireplace provides the enjoyment (and benefits) you desire.
The Importance of Chimney Inspections
As per real estate resource, Redfin, the home inspection addresses many aspects of your home-to-be, but it is primarily a visual assessment. Additionally, the aspects of a home that are covered in this evaluation may vary depending on where the home is located, such as the chimney and fireplace. Consequently, to ensure the safety and performance of the chimney system as well as its desirable appearance, it’s wise to have a separate chimney inspection performed. Here, find answers to common questions about chimney inspections:
What type of chimney inspection should I have done?
As discussed by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are three levels of chimney inspections. Level 2 chimney inspections are specifically highlighted for home sales. A Level 2 chimney inspection is the most thorough assessment available without having to remove parts of the chimney or building itself. This comprehensive evaluation typically includes the use of video to examine the interior components of the chimney, as well as any attic or crawl spaces. This detailed inspection is intended to ensure that the chimney system is suitable for use. If you are looking for chimney inspections near you in Connecticut, Spotless Chimney provides complete Level 2 inspections which include the interior flues and the exterior chimney, as well as a full digital inspection report.
What issues can Level 2 chimney inspections reveal that a typical home inspection may not?
From dangerous creosote buildup to chimney liner damage, chimney concerns may require specialty equipment to uncover. Additionally, a bird’s nest blocking ventilation or other airflow problems can impact not only the operations of your fireplace but also the safety of your family. In some cases, what may seem like a minor chimney repair, such as a few cracked bricks may really be a more substantial problem. For example, water that seeps into the cracks in bricks or deteriorating mortar can impact the overall stability of the chimney or even the siding of a home.
With a Level 2 chimney inspection in addition to the usual home inspection, potential buyers gain greater clarity around their chimney system and are better able to account for any home improvement needs during final purchasing negotiations. To avoid the potential for these discussions happening later in the selling process, sellers may also choose to have these inspections done and provide chimney inspection results up front or simply make the necessary improvements in advance.
Why not wait until the home purchase is complete to have my new chimney inspected?
According to U.S. News, a functioning fireplace is one feature that not only lends to a higher listing price but also results in actually selling for that price or close to it. With a chimney inspection, buyers proactively protect their household and may avoid paying a higher price for the risks of fire hazards or carbon monoxide poisoning that may stem from a poorly-maintained chimney system. If a chimney inspection reveals that a fireplace or any aspect of the chimney system is not operating safely and efficiently, then buyers may be able to negotiate for the necessary fixes or for those considerations to be accounted for in the final closing price. According to This Old House, chimney repair costs may range from less than $1000 to over $10,000, so these considerations can make a significant impact in relation to a home’s value and the final price tag for the buyer.
Will more chimney inspections or other chimney services be needed during home ownership?
Finding reliable chimney inspections near you is not just an important factor in the home-buying process. Having these evaluations performed by qualified chimney professionals, as well as other chimney services such as chimney cleaning, helps ensure your enjoyment of your fireplace throughout the duration of your residency, as well as its safety. In order to budget for ongoing chimney care after your anticipated move-in, it’s generally recommended that inspections and cleaning happen annually. However, a chimney cleaning schedule will also depend on the frequency of its use. Consider talking to your chimney inspection expert about a plan when they perform your initial service.
At Spotless Chimney, we are here to help ensure the safety, beauty, and performance of your chimney system. Whether you are buying a home with a fireplace or simply want to ensure the ongoing well-being of your current home and loved ones, we provide a comprehensive range of chimney services, including chimney inspections. Contact us today!
