From the street
Look for leaning, missing bricks, a bent or missing cap, rust stains and cracks in the crown. Binoculars help.
Note anything that looks unusual.
Inside
Look in the firebox for cracked bricks, gaps and heavy soot. Check that the damper moves and that the hearth is solid.
Smell for dampness or smoke.
Ask the seller
When was it last swept or inspected? Has it had repairs? Has there been a chimney fire? Is there a liner? Are there records?
Ask for paperwork.
What a general inspector may miss
Most home inspectors cannot see the whole flue. A specialist with a camera can.
It is often money well spent.
Reading the report
Look for what is safe, what needs repair and what to monitor. Use the report to plan costs or to negotiate.
Photos make it clear.
For sellers
A clean inspection shows the chimney has been cared for. If repairs are needed, doing them first can speed the sale.
Keep the records.
Have the chimney inspected with a camera before you buy, and keep records if you sell.
