A standard home inspection covers a lot of ground — but chimney inspections are often limited to a visual check from the firebox. That's not enough. Here's why a dedicated chimney inspection should be part of every home purchase.
General home inspectors are trained to identify a wide range of issues, but chimney systems are specialized. Most home inspectors will look at the firebox, check for obvious damage, and note whether a cap is present. They rarely have the equipment — or the training — to assess the flue interior.
The flue interior is where the most expensive problems hide. Cracked clay tile liners, deteriorated mortar joints, and evidence of previous chimney fires are all invisible from the firebox — they require a thorough flue inspection to detect.
A chimney inspection report gives you documentation of any issues. You can use this to negotiate a price reduction, request that the seller make repairs before closing, or make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase.
A chimney inspection costs a fraction of what chimney repairs cost. Discovering a problem before closing gives you options. Discovering it after closing leaves you with the bill.
Horizon Chimney Sweep serves Vancouver, Woodland, and all of Southwest Washington. Licensed, locally owned, and honest about what you need.