Someone tells you, "You need a chimney inspection," and, sure, that sounds reasonable, but it doesn't actually tell you much. There are three distinct levels; they cover very different amounts of ground, and which one you need really depends on what's going on with your chimney and your situation.
Let's clear it up.
Level 1: the routine one
This is a visual check of everything you can see without special equipment: the flue interior, the firebox, and the visible exterior parts of the chimney. It confirms there's nothing obviously wrong and the flue is clear.
This is the one that pairs with your annual sweep, and honestly, it's all most homeowners need if the chimney's been used normally, nothing's changed about the setup, and there's no reason to suspect a problem. We offer this as part of our standard chimney inspection service, bundled with a sweep so you're not paying for two separate visits.
Level 2: the thorough one
A Level 2 inspection does everything a Level 1 does, then adds a video scan through the entire flue, plus a check of any accessible areas the chimney runs through: attic, crawlspace, and basement.
You'll want this level if:
- You're buying or selling a house with a fireplace or wood-burning appliance
- You've had any kind of chimney fire, even a small one
- You're changing what's connected to the chimney new insert, switching from wood to gas, new liner
- The chimney's been sitting unused for years, and you're about to start using it again
This is the level most real estate deals require, and for good reason it's the only one that actually gets a camera down inside the flue to catch damage you'd never spot from the outside. If you're on the buying or selling side of a deal right now, we've got a full breakdown of what to expect from that process here.
Level 3: the rare one
A Level 3 goes further still, and it's reserved for cases where a Level 1 or 2 already found something concerning that can't be fully assessed without physically opening things up, removing sections of masonry or drywall to see behind them.
Most homeowners will never need this. It comes into play when there's a suspected structural issue serious enough that the only way to really know what's happening is to open up part of the chimney or the wall around it.
So which one do you actually need?
Quick version:
- Regular annual maintenance, nothing weird going on → Level 1
- Buying, selling, having a fire, or swapping the appliance → Level 2
- Something a Level 1 or 2 flagged that still needs answering → Level 3
If you're on the fence, Level 2 is the safer default for anything beyond plain yearly upkeep. It's thorough enough to catch what actually matters without paying for the extra scope of a Level 3 you probably don't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 1 chimney inspection?
A visual check of the parts of the chimney you can see without special tools confirms there's no obvious damage and the flue is clear. It's the standard for routine annual maintenance.
What is a Level 2 chimney inspection?
A more in-depth inspection that includes a video scan of the full flue and a look at accessible areas the chimney passes through. Required for home sales, after a chimney fire, or when you're changing the appliance.
Do I need a Level 2 inspection when buying a house?
In most cases, yes. It's the standard for real estate transactions because it catches damage inside the flue that a Level 1's visual check alone would miss.
What is a Level 3 chimney inspection?
The most invasive level involves removing masonry or other building materials to check areas that can't otherwise be seen. Used only when there's a serious suspected hazard that needs a direct look.
Not sure which inspection fits your situation? Book an inspection and we'll figure out the right level before we even show up.
