With the laundry list of things that home sellers have to complete before completing the sale, it’s understandable that you might feel hesitant about recommending one more thing for the list. However, as a realtor interested in selling a home for the most value possible, you should always include a fireplace inspection on the to-do list for home sellers.

Fireplace Safety Matters

Fireplaces are the safest way to enjoy the beauty and warm glow of a fire in your home. However, just like any other structure in your home, fireplaces require regular repair to remain safe and effective. Every year, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves cause over 25,000 fires a year, which lead to dozens of deaths and over $125 million in damages. If you allow home sellers to sell without having a fireplace inspection, or a buyer to sign on the dotted line without knowing the status of the fireplace, you could be allowing them to put themselves in danger.

The Hazards of a Dirty Fireplace

While most people realize that a fireplace that is in obvious disrepair is a hazard, many still fail to recognize that chimney fires happen from many causes that are invisible to the naked eye. Creosote is one of the most common reasons for a chimney fire. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that is created from wood gases that stick to the chimney walls. This hazardous substance is typically toxic and highly flammable. Whenever the layer of creosote inside of a chimney gets too thick, it can ignite.

Debris hiding in a chimney is also a concern for homeowners, home buyers and realtors. If enough debris is inside of a chimney, it can prevent dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from escaping. Carbon monoxide is also, surprisingly, more of a threat in newer homes that are not as drafty as older homes. A chimney and fireplace inspection will identify debris in the chimney before serious injuries occur.

Add Value

A home inspection will not typically include the fireplace and chimney, so a chimney inspection is the way to catch problems before any fire hazards become real fires. If a home seller completes a fire inspection and gets good news, you will be able to reassure prospective buyers that the chimney is in great condition and preserve home value. If the inspector identifies problems, the seller will have time to complete repairs and potentially increase the home value.

A High-Quality Chimney Inspection from Clean Sweep

Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep services designed to keep your family safe.