Which level do you need?
| Level | When it's called for | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Every year, when nothing about the chimney or how you use it has changed | The readily accessible parts of the chimney interior and exterior, the firebox, damper and connections |
| Level 2 | Home sale or purchase, after a chimney fire, hail storm or other event, when changing fuel type or adding an insert | Everything in Level 1, plus a video scan of the full flue, the attic and crawl spaces where accessible, and the roof |
| Level 3 | Only when a Level 2 finds a serious hidden problem that can't be seen any other way | Removal of parts of the chimney or nearby walls to reach concealed areas. We explain why before any of it happens |
Buying or selling a home in DFW
A general home inspector usually looks at the firebox and the outside of the chimney from the ground. They don't run a camera through the flue, so cracked clay liners, gaps between tiles and damaged smoke chambers go unseen. That's why the national standard calls for a Level 2 inspection when a property changes hands.
For buyers, the report gives you a written basis for repair requests during the option period. For sellers, it lets you fix problems on your terms before a buyer's inspector finds them. For agents, we can schedule around showings and send the report straight to everyone on the transaction.
After a storm
Texas led the country in major hail events in 2025, and North Texas sees damaging hail most springs. Hail dents caps and chase covers and cracks mortar crowns, and the leak often doesn't show inside until weeks later. A Level 2 after a major storm documents the damage with dated photos while you're still inside your insurance claim window. See hail damage to chimneys.
What your report includes
- Photos of every finding, labeled by location
- For Level 2, the camera footage of the flue
- Each problem explained in plain words, with how urgent it is
- A written price for any repair, so you can compare
Questions about chimney inspection
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
A Level 1 is usually included with a sweep. National cost guides put Level 2 inspections at roughly $150–$1,000 depending on the chimney. Our chimney inspections start at $69. Every repair is priced in writing before any work starts, and repair estimates are free. See the Dallas price guide.
Does a regular home inspection check the chimney?
Only partly. Most home inspectors look at what's visible and recommend a chimney specialist for anything inside the flue. A Level 2 inspection covers the full flue with a camera.
Can I use chimney problems to negotiate on a house?
Many buyers do. A written report with photos and repair prices gives you and your agent something specific to bring to the seller during the option period.
How long does a Level 2 inspection take?
Most take one to two hours on site, depending on the chimney. The written report with photos and footage follows the visit.