Every real estate agent wants to offer their buyers and sellers an excellent experience. One critical aspect of preparing a home that is often overlooked is the chimney inspection. A well-maintained chimney not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a property but also serves a practical heating purpose. What should you know about chimney inspections?
Why Are Chimney Inspections Important?
Chimneys play a critical role in venting smoke and gases coming from fireplaces. Over time, creosote buildup, blockages, structural damage, and wear and tear can stop any chimney from working properly and safely. Unfortunately, most of these problems can’t be seen by the untrained eye.
Regular chimney inspections can identify and address problems before they turn into bigger issues later, which prevents potential future hazards like fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or structural damage. For prospective buyers, a chimney inspection offers peace of mind and shows that the property has been well-maintained. For sellers, it is an easy way to avoid potential repairs or issues during negotiation.
What Are the Levels of Chimney Inspections?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) separates chimney inspections into three levels:
- Level 1 Inspection: This is a basic inspection used for chimneys that have been regularly maintained, but it is not used for real estate.
- Level 2 Inspection: This is a more intensive inspection, and it is required when there have been changes to the heating system, when there is a new homeowner, or after there has been a significant weather event or natural disaster.
- Level 3 Inspection: This is the most comprehensive inspection, and it can be used in real estate transactions to ensure that nothing is wrong with any part of the chimney.
How to Help Sellers Prepare
To ensure a smooth and quick inspection process, you can prepare your sellers or buyers for the chimney inspection process in a few key ways:
- Schedule in Advance: Clean Sweep always works hard to meet the needs of every client, but scheduling a chimney section early is a great idea. This will give sellers plenty of time to make repairs or have maintenance performed before listing the home on the market.
- Clear the Area: Ask your sellers to ensure that the area around the chimney and fireplace is accessible. This allows the inspector to easily access the site so that the inspection can be as smooth and seamless as possible.
- Gather Maintenance Records: If the property has had previous chimney inspections or maintenance, ask the homeowner to gather these records so that the inspector can review them.
Help Your Clients Buy and Sell With Confidence
Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing, and duct cleaning services designed to keep all your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you have a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of chimney inspection or repairs, we are here to help.