How to have the chimney inspected before first fire
Get a chimney inspection before you light your first fire. NFPA 211 calls for a Level II inspection when a property is sold or transferred, which includes a camera look at the flue. Expect about $200 to $600 or more with video. After that, a Level I inspection each year is the norm.
Chimney inspection levels, from Level I to Level III
NFPA 211, the standard that CSIA follows, says chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year, even if you rarely use them. Animals can nest in a flue, and masonry wears down whether you burn anything or not. It sets three levels:
| Level | What it covers | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| I | Readily accessible parts of the chimney, flue and connected appliance | Yearly checks, routine cleaning, like-for-like appliance swaps |
| II | Level I plus accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements, clearances, and flue liners using image scanning as needed | On sale or transfer, before relining, after adding or changing an appliance, after a fire, storm or earthquake |
| III | Level I and II plus concealed areas, by removing parts of the structure | When a hazard can't be judged any other way |
A sweep also cleans when needed. CSIA says a masonry fireplace should be swept at about 1/8 inch of sooty buildup, or sooner if glazed creosote is present, and a full sweep covers the flue and smoke chamber as well as the firebox.
Chimney inspection cost
| Service | About what it costs |
|---|---|
| Level I inspection | $100 to $250 |
| Level I with a sweep | $150 to $400 |
| Level II with video | $200 to $600 or more |
| Level III | Several hundred to over $1,000, plus restoring finishes |
| Relining or rebuilding the top of a stack | Can reach the thousands |
These are broad 2026 estimates from Inspect and Test, not fixed prices. Crown, cap and flashing repairs are usually smaller jobs.
How to choose a chimney sweep
- Use CSIA's "Find a Pro" tool, or confirm certification with CSIA's office.
- Ask for a Level II by name. CSIA says a sweep should know what a level means. If they don't, find another.
- Schedule it before closing if your contract allows, so repairs can be part of the negotiation.
Questions to ask at a Level 2 chimney inspection
- Will you scan the whole flue and give me the footage?
- What condition are the liner, crown, cap, damper and smoke chamber in?
- Is the flue the right size and type for this appliance?
- Does a furnace or water heater share this chimney?
- Which repairs are safety issues, and which can wait?
Chimney inspection red flags and danger signs
- A summary with no video or photos. Ask for the footage, not a description.
- A chemical cleaner offered in place of a sweep. CSIA says those don't replace mechanical cleaning and inspection.
- Relining sold with no images of the damage. Get a second opinion on big jobs.
- A sweep who doesn't know what NFPA 211 is.
Stop using the fireplace and call a pro for a roaring sound or intense heat during a fire, smoke backing into the room, flakes of glazed creosote or tile in the firebox, or leaning masonry. After a suspected chimney fire, get at least a Level II before the next use. If your CO alarm sounds, get out and call 911.
How to get a chimney inspection before first fire
- Find out what you have
Identify the fireplace, insert or stove, and any furnace or water heater vented into the same chimney.
- Ask the seller for records
Request past sweep invoices and any video footage of the flue.
- Book a Level II
Ask for a camera scan, and have the attic and basement cleared for access.
- Review the footage
Have the sweep walk you through cracks, gaps and deposits before you decide on repairs.
- Repair, then burn
Don't light a fire until safety items are fixed and the flue is clean.
- Set up safe habits
Keep combustibles at least 3 feet away, and put a CO alarm on every level.
- Book each year
After this, a yearly Level I keeps you on track unless something changes.
What homeowners say about a chimney sweep visit
Book the sweep before you buy or stack firewood. Owners say home inspectors aren't trained or equipped to judge a flue. One owner bought three cords of wood, then the sweep's camera found cracked flue tiles and missing mortar. The proper fix was quoted at $14,000, and they never used the fireplace. (Reddit)
On an old chimney, expect the sweep to talk about relining. The mortar in old chimneys can erode until sparks get into the roof framing, so don't skip this even if the seller says they used it. (DIY Stack Exchange)
How often should a chimney be swept? Common questions
Is a Level 2 chimney inspection required when buying a house?
NFPA 211 lists sale or transfer as a time for a Level II, but it's a safety standard, and your local law or contract may not require it. It's still worth asking for one.
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
About $100 to $250 for Level I and $200 to $600 or more for Level II with video, based on 2026 estimates. Prices vary by region and chimney.
How often should a chimney be swept?
Inspection is yearly, but cleaning depends on use. CSIA says to sweep a masonry fireplace at about 1/8 inch of soot, or sooner with glazed creosote, and at any appreciable buildup in a factory-built fireplace.
Sources: Chimney Safety Institute of America, NFPA, inspectandtest.net, U.S. Fire Administration, CPSC
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.