Routine use · property transfer · system change · recent event
A routine check, a home sale, a new appliance and a suspected hidden concern are different circumstances. Start with the event; a qualified person confirms the level and scope.
Final level, requested flues, access and limitations belong in the work order.
The decision logic below is derived from NFPA 211 inspection circumstances and CSIA homeowner guidance. It is educational; it does not certify Chimney4u personnel or establish the scope of a particular property.
CSIA source ↗START WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCE
Select the statement closest to your situation. This gives a candidate starting point, not a remote determination or a completed inspection.
Level I may be the appropriate starting point when the system and appliance use remain the same.
THREE LEVELS · DIFFERENT ACCESS
The appropriate level is the one supported by the circumstances and the access needed to evaluate them.
Routine continued service with the same or similar appliance conditions. Includes readily accessible portions and checks for obstruction or combustible deposits in the inspected flue.
Not the default for:Property transfer, changed conditions or an event likely to cause damage.Adds accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements, connected components and image scanning of the requested accessible flue or liner areas.
Common circumstances:Sale or transfer, material appliance change, relining, malfunction or damaging event.Plan a property-transfer inspection →Used when Level I or II cannot fully evaluate a suspected hazard or critical concealed construction without access beyond the prior levels.
Requires:A defined question, authorization, access plan and documented extent—not “just in case.”THE USEFUL OUTPUT
Chimney4u’s exact deliverable and turnaround still require owner approval. Before publication, the workflow should prove that every completed inspection preserves these distinctions.
Location, component, image reference and access condition.
Weather, roof, hatch, appliance, requested flue or concealed-area limits.
Finding, confidence, technical basis and any unresolved question.
Monitor, service, further evaluation or written repair option—with scope kept separate.
BEFORE THE VISIT
Routine use, sale/transfer, repair planning or changed appliance.
Which fireplace, stove, furnace, flue or vent is included.
Roof, attic, crawl space, basement, occupants and closing deadline.
Fire, storm, seismic event, malfunction, roof work or fuel/appliance change.
COMMON QUESTIONS
No. Cleaning and inspection have different jobs. Condition determines whether cleaning is needed; the inspection scope is set by the circumstances.
NFPA 211 lists sale or transfer of property as a Level II circumstance. The inspector still must confirm the requested systems, access and any limitations for the property.
No. Level II covers accessible areas without removing permanently attached building or chimney components. Concealed access belongs to a defined Level III need.
No. A report records the inspection performed, observations, findings and limitations. Acceptance requirements belong to the lender, insurer, buyer or other reviewing party.
NEXT STEP
Owner-approved inspection products, technician qualifications, requested-flue policy, price, report sample, SLA, ZIP rules and technical review are required before removing `noindex`.
Page ID P02 · version 0.1 · technical basis: NFPA/CSIA · no local outcome evidence yet