Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Have the Chimney Inspected Before You Buy or Sell a Home

The process of buying or selling a home can be stressful. Between finding a real estate agent, going to showings, hosting open houses, packing, keeping the house clean, and working with banks and lenders, most homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed with the amount of things that need to be done.

One important step in the buying and selling process for any home is having a chimney inspection. While they should be done annually, chimney inspections are an excellent way for sellers as well as prospective buyers to have a better understanding of the condition of the home’s chimney and fireplace.

Chimney inspections for sellers

Fireplaces are a classic feature that many buyers want to have in their new homes. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 40% of home buyers said they would pay extra for a home that had at least one fireplace. Because of this, having a well maintained and working fireplace can add value to your home and help set it apart from similar listings.

Before you put your home on the market, consider having your chimney swept and inspected. In addition to getting your fireplace system in tip-top shape, a chimney inspection can also let you know of any damage or potential hazards to the chimney. If any problems are identified they can be fixed as soon as possible. Repairing the chimney not only makes buyers feel more comfortable purchasing the home, but also helps prevent the occurrence of any unwelcome “surprises” during the home inspection.

Having a recent report by a certified chimney sweep as to the condition of the chimney is an excellent way to help prospective buyers feel more comfortable about the state of the fireplace system. Likewise, if your chimney has been damaged in any way while you have owned the home (such as a chimney fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster) a chimney inspection may be a requirement. Level 2 chimney inspections, which include an inspection of the interior and exterior fireplace and chimney as well as the use of close circuit cameras, are required before the sale or transfer of a property in the case of chimney damage.

Chimney inspections for Buyers

As a buyer, finding the perfect home for you and your family can be difficult. Even if you think you’ve found “the one,” underlying issues can still cause the sale to fall through. Because of this, many buyers choose to have a chimney inspection in addition to the regular home inspection.

Even if the sellers are providing a report from a chimney sweep, you may want to hire your own company to inspect the chimney independently. This way, you can be assured of the validity of the original report as well as choosing the professionals who do the inspection. In addition, having two sets of eyes inspect a chimney may uncover issues that were not previously seen, especially if the house has been on the market for a long period of time. Issues uncovered in the chimney inspection can then be addressed before the sale is finalized.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to have your chimney inspected. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan [https://www.cleansweeps.com//contact-us/] today to schedule your chimney inspection.

Fall Is Almost Here – Beat the Rush!

Chimney InspectionIts summer and most of you are probably out soaking up the sun, going on vacations, and trying to will away any thought of cold weather. Likely, the last thing on your mind is your chimney and getting it inspected and serviced. Most people start thinking about their chimneys in the fall and winter months, and that’s when they call us! However, if you wait until then to schedule an appointment, it could be difficult to get one.

It is recommended that you should get your chimney inspected every year before you use it, even if there is no apparent problem. There are quite a few things that may have gotten into your chimney, including animals, which can cause obstructions which block airflow. This makes your chimney dangerous. Even if your chimney looks to be in great shape on the outside, it is possible that there is hidden damage inside that risks carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that your chimney be inspected

• At least once a year
• When you purchase a home
• Any time there has been a change to any appliance that vents into the chimney
• Any time there has been significant structural work done to the home.

Clean Sweeps inspects chimneys according to guidelines set by the NFPA. There are three levels of chimney inspection depending one the severity of potential problems.

Level 1

This is the most common type of chimney inspection. It is a visual inspection only , in which the technician will ensure that the chimney structure is sound and free of obstruction or combustible deposits. This inspection is appropriate if you have been using your fireplace regularly with no problems. A majority of inspections we perform are Level 1, but some chimneys or fireplaces may require a closer look.

Level 2

A level 2 inspection includes the same things as a level 1 inspection, but the technician will also examine any accessible portions of attics, crawl spaces, and basements. In addition, an interior chimney video inspection will be done. This level of inspection should be done if you have purchased a new home heating appliance, made a change to an existing appliance that is vented through your chimney, or suspect that there is damage to your chimney.

Level 3

This includes everything from the level 1 and 2 inspections, and an evaluation of the chimney condition and the condition of the concealed portions of the chimney and flue. A level 3 inspection is preformed when a hidden hazard is suspected that cannot be assessed without evaluating concealed areas of the chimney structure and flue. They are usually necessary when damage has occurred to the chimney or building structure.
If you need help deciding which level of inspection you require, you can call us today or schedule an appointment and a Clean Sweeps technician will assist you. Reviewing our appointment tips will help us to serve you as effectively as possible. Remember; don’t wait until you’re ready to start lighting your fireplace– along with everyone else– to call. The best time is now; before you need it!