Not all chimney inspections are the same. The industry defines three levels, and knowing the difference helps you get exactly the inspection you need — no more, no less.
The three levels of inspection
The NFPA defines three standard inspection levels. Most homeowners only ever need Level 1 or Level 2:
| Level | When it applies | What’s involved |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Annual maintenance, no changes to the system | Visual check of accessible interior and exterior areas and the readily accessible flue |
| Level 2 | Buying/selling a home, after a chimney fire or severe weather, or after an appliance change | Everything in Level 1 plus an in-depth check of the flue, attic and crawl space |
| Level 3 | When a serious hidden hazard is suspected | May involve removing parts of the chimney or wall to inspect concealed areas |
When you need a Level 1 inspection
A Level 1 inspection is right for routine yearly maintenance when nothing about your chimney or how you use it has changed. It’s typically paired with your annual cleaning.
When you need a Level 2 inspection
- You’re buying or selling a home (many real-estate deals require it)
- You’ve had a chimney fire, earthquake, or major storm
- You’ve changed the appliance or fuel type
- You’ve noticed smoke backup, odors, or a possible leak
A Level 2 inspection goes deeper than a visual check, catching cracks and damage that are easy to miss — which is exactly why it’s the standard for home sales.
Need an inspection?
We offer both Level 1 and Level 2 inspections across Connecticut.