Chimney Inspection: What to Expect, What It Costs & Why It Matters
Professional inspection finds hidden problems before they become fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or expensive emergencies. 45+ years of certified inspection expertise.
A chimney inspection reveals what's happening inside a system you can't see. Cracks, creosote buildup, water damage, structural problems, and safety hazards all hide behind brick walls and inside flue passages that are invisible from your living room. Professional inspection finds these problems before they become fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or expensive emergencies.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspection for every home with a fireplace, wood stove, or fuel-burning appliance that vents through a chimney. This isn't an upsell—it's a safety standard based on decades of fire investigation data showing that undetected chimney problems cause preventable home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Three Levels of Chimney Inspection
Level 1
Covers all readily accessible areas without specialized tools.
What's Covered:
- • Chimney exterior inspection
- • Firebox interior
- • Visible flue surfaces
- • Basic draft assessment
- • Clearances check
When Appropriate:
Annual maintenance inspection when no changes have been made and no problems are suspected.
$150-250
Typical cost
Level 2
Includes Level 1 plus video camera inspection of flue interior.
What's Added:
- • Video camera flue scan
- • Attic/crawlspace assessment
- • Clearance verification
- • Detailed component evaluation
- • Video documentation
When Appropriate:
Home sales, after chimney fires, fuel type changes, or whenever thorough evaluation is needed.
$250-500
Typical cost
Level 3
Includes Level 2 plus access to concealed areas requiring component removal.
What's Added:
- • Removal of chase/wall coverings
- • Full structural evaluation
- • Hidden damage assessment
- • Comprehensive documentation
- • Code compliance verification
When Appropriate:
Suspected serious hazards, after significant chimney fires, or when structural damage extent is unclear.
$500-2,000+
Depending on access required
Our Recommendation: Level 2 is our standard recommendation for most homeowners because the video camera inspection reveals conditions that are simply invisible otherwise.
What a Professional Inspector Examines
Chimney Exterior
Crown
Cracks, slope, overhang, water pooling signs
Chimney Cap
Presence, security, sizing, condition
Flashing
Gaps, corrosion, lifting, water penetration
Masonry
Brick/mortar condition, cracks, efflorescence
Structure
Leaning, shifting, separation, foundation
Chimney Interior
Flue Liner
Cracks, gaps, corrosion, proper sizing, integrity
Creosote Levels
Accumulation measurement and stage identification
Obstructions
Nests, debris, collapsed sections
Smoke Chamber
Condition, shape, creosote accumulation
Firebox & Performance
Firebox Integrity
Walls, floor, back wall cracks or deterioration
Damper
Operation, sealing, overall condition
Hearth
Code compliance, size, proper materials
Draft
Proper draw verification
Clearances
Adequate spacing from combustibles
When You Need a Chimney Inspection
Annually
Every chimney in use should be inspected yearly. This is the NFPA recommendation and the single most effective step for chimney safety.
Before Buying a Home
Standard home inspections give chimneys minimal attention. Specialized inspection identifies problems general inspectors miss.
Before Selling
Recent professional inspection showing well-maintained chimney supports asking price and prevents negotiation delays.
After a Chimney Fire
Even small fires can cause internal damage invisible from outside. Professional inspection determines extent of damage.
After Severe Weather
Earthquakes, severe wind, and ice storms can damage structures. Post-event inspection verifies integrity.
After Long Inactivity
If fireplace unused for a year+, inspect before first fire. Conditions change during inactivity.
When You Notice Problems
Smoke backup, unusual odors, visible damage, water intrusion, or poor draft warrant professional inspection.
Before First Use
New homeowners should have chimney inspected before using inherited fireplace for the first time.
What Your Inspection Report Should Include
Component-by-Component Assessment
Each part of the chimney system evaluated and rated—not just 'chimney looks okay' but specific findings for crown, flashing, mortar, bricks, liner, smoke chamber, damper, and firebox.
Photographs & Video
Visual documentation of findings, especially problems or areas of concern. Level 2 inspections include still images from camera inspection showing interior flue conditions.
Safety Findings
Any conditions that represent immediate safety concerns, clearly identified and prioritized so you know what needs attention first.
Recommendations & Estimates
Specific repair or maintenance recommendations prioritized by urgency, with approximate costs for recommended work allowing you to plan and budget.
This documentation serves multiple purposes—guiding your maintenance decisions, supporting insurance claims if damage occurs, and providing buyers with professional assessment during home sales.
Chimney Inspection vs. Home Inspection
Home Inspection
- • Visual check from ground
- • Quick look inside firebox
- • Catches obvious problems only
- • Generalist covering entire home
- • No specialized tools
- • Misses most chimney issues
Chimney Inspection
- • Complete exterior assessment
- • Video camera flue inspection
- • Finds hidden problems
- • Specialist chimney knowledge
- • Professional equipment
- • Comprehensive evaluation
Important: If you're buying a home with a fireplace, a dedicated chimney inspection by a certified chimney professional is strongly recommended in addition to the general home inspection.
Why Mad Hatter for Chimney Inspection
45+ Years of Inspection Experience
Since 1979, we've inspected thousands of chimneys. Our knowledge of what to look for and what findings mean is unmatched in greater Seattle.
Master Chimney Sweep Certification
The highest industry credential. Advanced inspection techniques, current standards, and comprehensive knowledge.
21-Point Inspection Process
Systematic evaluation covering every component. Nothing overlooked.
Video Camera Technology
We see inside your chimney where the most important conditions hide.
Complete Documentation
Detailed reports with photographs, condition ratings, and prioritized recommendations.
Full Service
Inspection, cleaning, and repair from one certified company. If we find problems, we fix them.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection
Professional inspection is the foundation of chimney safety. One annual assessment prevents fires, catches damage early, and ensures your family's safety. It's the smartest investment a fireplace owner can make.
Same-day and next-day service available throughout the greater Seattle area
45 years of certified expertise. Your chimney deserves professional assessment.