Routine use · property transfer · system change · recent event
Chimney4u is a paid referral service, not a chimney contractor. Tell us whether you need a routine check, a home-sale inspection or help after an appliance change. An independent provider must confirm the inspection scope, qualifications, price and availability.
Final level, requested flues, access and limitations belong in the work order.
The guide below summarizes CSIA inspection guidance. It is not a property assessment or a claim that our operators are certified inspectors. Ask your inspector which current standards and local requirements apply.
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 broader accessible areas and an internal video scan or similar inspection. CSIA’s masonry Level II guidance includes all flues within the chimney and their connected appliances; access or scanning limitations should be documented.
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
Ask the independent inspector for a sample report and confirm which systems, photos and limitations will be documented. Agree on the report format and delivery date before booking, especially when a home-sale deadline is involved.
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.
BEFORE YOU AGREE
Which level is proposed, which chimney systems are covered, and is internal imaging included? Ask the inspector to explain any access limitations.
Is cleaning included or priced separately? Confirm access charges, taxes and any return-visit fee before booking. Chimney4u does not set inspection prices.
Ask for a sample report, what photos it includes, and the delivery date. For a Seattle home purchase, share your inspection contingency deadline before agreeing to the visit.
Ask for the provider’s business name and inspector’s credentials. Verify any claimed certification with its issuer. An inspection recommendation does not obligate you to buy repairs.
Organize the details with our quote preparation guide. If repairs are recommended, use the repair estimate worksheet to compare the proposed work separately.
COMMON QUESTIONS
No. Cleaning and inspection have different jobs. Condition determines whether cleaning is needed; the inspection scope is set by the circumstances.
CSIA guidance identifies a property sale or transfer as a reason for a Level II inspection. Confirm the complete scope and report deadline with the inspector; do not assume a general home inspection includes the same chimney evaluation.
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
Chimney4u is a paid referral service operated by Noam Paz and Guy Deri, not a chimney contractor. With your consent, your request may be sold to up to two independent providers. Providers are responsible for their assessments and work; a referral does not establish verified credentials or availability.
Questions to ask when comparing repair quotes →