Real Estate Level 2 Chimney Inspection

Most prospective homebuyers in Washington, DC, order a home inspection to understand better the condition of the property they are about to purchase. However, many buyers don't realize that a home inspection does not include a professional chimney inspection. So, before closing the sale, make sure to take that extra step and order a level 2 inspection from a Certified Chimney Sweep®. It will help buyers avoid inheriting a dangerous chimney and fireplace that may need significant repairs.

Bethesda Chimney provides CSIA certified real estate level 2 inspections per the NFPA 211 standard for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals in Montgomery County, MD, Washington DC, and Northern VA.

What is a Real Estate Level 2 Inspection?

Montgomery Country Fire Rescue recommends homeowners have annual chimney inspections and cleaning when necessary to reduce the risk of fire and exposure to toxic gases. However, a standard level 1 visual inspection is insufficient when buying or selling a home. That's why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require homeowners to obtain a level 2 chimney inspection any time there is a transfer or sale of real property.

During a real estate level 2, our Certified Chimney Sweep® uses a specially equipped chimney camera to perform a live video scan of the entire interior surface of the flue, allowing the technician, along with the buyer or seller, to see the condition of the chimney inside and out. This technology will detect small cracks, gaps, and other imperfections that are hard to see in a standard visual inspection. The technician will also ensure that attached heating appliances like a fireplace, wood stove, furnace, etc., are correctly installed and have the required clearances from combustible materials.

Buyer Protection

The last thing new home buyers want to have happen is a chimney fire or smoke pouring out of the fireplace when lighting it for the first time. When potential problem areas are identified early with a real estate level 2, our technician can fix them before they worsen into a more dangerous and costly repair after you move in and settle into your new home. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your chimney and fireplace are safe. There are many other valuable benefits too:

• Know the precise condition of the chimney before your buy
• Negotiate repairs with the seller before closing
• Protection from “hidden” dangers and surprise repairs
• Reduces the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants
• Recommendations for improving heating efficiency

Before Selling Your Home

There are several advantages of scheduling a Real Estate Level 2 inspection with a Certified Chimney Sweep® before a home sale:

1. Uncover chimney problems before they can delay or even derail the sale of your home.
2. A clean chimney gives prospective homebuyers confidence that your home is properly maintained.
3. Reassures buyers with a complete written report from a chimney professional detailing the precise condition of the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances.
4. You can decide to make any needed chimney repairs or include the cost of repairs in your selling price.
5. Helps negotiate for a faster sale.

Schedule Your Certified Real Estate Level 2 Inspection

Our Certified Real Estate Level 2 inspection will ensure your chimney and fireplace are safe to operate, whether buying or selling your home. We serve buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals in Garrett Park, MD, Centreville, VA, Olney, MD, Silver Spring, MD, Alexandria, VA, Reston, VA, and surrounding communities in Montgomery County, MD, Washington DC, and Northern VA. Call 301-969-4444 or 703-935-4444 to schedule a Real Estate Level 2 inspection today!