Are You Waiting For The Home Inspector To Tell You To Get A Chimney Inspection?
Real Estate Agents, representing buyers in today’s market, call in a Home Inspector as a matter of course. But when it comes to chimneys, how much of an inspection is enough?
Home Inspectors, as thorough and as diligent as they are, perform what is known as a Level 1 Chimney Inspection when inspecting a home. To avoid undue technical jargon, a Level 1 Inspection is a cursory inspection of the chimney using only the naked eye. Does the chimney have a spark arrestor? Are there any major signs of damage, etc.
Should the chimney inspection proceed further? When should one call in a certified chimney inspector? What steps are needed for full disclosure and protection of client, agency and you?
As it concerns the Real Estate Industry, the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances answers the above questions. NFPA 211’s code 11-5.1.1 states that a Level II inspection should be performed: “Upon sale or transfer of the property or after a major event such as an earthquake.” Copies of this booklet may be obtained at National Fire Protection Association’s website.)
At my company, we strongly recommends that a chimney inspection be performed during every real estate transaction.
A Certified Chimney Inspector can perform a Level II inspection.
Of course a Level II inspection includes all aspects of a Level I inspection with the following points added:
- Has the chimney been constructed properly?
- All accessible portions of the chimney are inspected including all enclosed flues.
- Does the chimney show proper clearance from combustibles in accessible locations?
- All accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior are inspected including areas with accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements.
- Shall include video scanning or other means of inspection.
Misconceptions can arise when scheduling a home inspection. Some feel that the Home Inspector will be able to provide a full disclosure when it comes to chimneys. As hard working as Home Inspectors may be at their jobs, frustrations naturally arise when additional appointments are required when it is suggested that a specified professional be called in.
Home Inspectors, during their Level 1 Chimney Inspections, frequently notice items that require more on an inspection. Not to fault the Home Inspector, but a Level II inspection requires that a Certified Chimney Inspector be called in. That is why Real Estate Agents attempting to get answers on chimney safety, structural integrity and overall functionality commonly hear Home Inspectors state, “That is beyond the scope of our inspection” or “This needs to be referred to a chimney professional.”
I find that real estate agents, tired of the frustration of multiple inspections, are now scheduling as many inspections as possible on the same day. Agents want to take care of everything at the same time. If a Level II inspection is needed, why not schedule a Certified Chimney inspection on the same day as the home inspection?
It also saves time using a company that can provide an inspection report one day and present a detailed, specified bid the next. I understand the frustration of agents when they need an inspection report and then have to call in another company to provide an estimate for repairs. It’s best to go with chimney experts that can take care of all of your chimney needs with one call while saving you time and frustration.
Jo Lauricella is Real Estate Marketing Manager at Boston Brick & Stone in Pasadena, CA, the most relied upon chimney inspection & repair contractor in the greater Los Angeles area. Visit our website http://www.bostonbrick.com and our blog for realtors http://www.bostonbrick.com/blog/real-estate/
Processing your request, Please wait....
