NFPA 211 — the standard that governs chimney safety in the US — defines three levels of chimney inspection. The level you need depends on what's changed with the system, whether the home is being bought or sold, and what events the chimney has been through. Here's how they break down.
Level 1: Annual Maintenance Inspection
A Level 1 inspection is the baseline annual check for a chimney in continuous use with no changes to the appliance or fuel type. It covers all accessible parts of the chimney interior and exterior — the firebox, damper, smoke shelf, visible liner sections, the chimney cap, the crown, and the exterior masonry. No special tools or equipment beyond mirrors and a flashlight are required.
At Level 1, we're looking for creosote buildup, blockages, visible crown or cap damage, open mortar joints, and any signs of deterioration in accessible liner sections. This is included with every annual chimney cleaning — the inspection is part of the service, not a separate line item.
Level 2: Camera Inspection
A Level 2 inspection covers everything in Level 1, plus all accessible areas of the attic, basement, and crawl space as they relate to the chimney, plus a video scan of the full flue interior. This is required when something about the system has changed: a new appliance connected, a different fuel type used, a change in ownership, or after any event that may have damaged the flue — including a chimney fire or severe storm.
In practice, Level 2 is the right call for: any home purchase or sale in New England (real estate attorneys often require it), any chimney going back into service after extended non-use, and any chimney more than 20 years old that has never had a camera inspection.
If you're buying a home in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, or anywhere in New England — get a Level 2 chimney inspection. A clay tile liner crack that costs $3,000–$8,000 to fix won't show up without a camera.
Level 3: Destructive Inspection
A Level 3 inspection is required when there's a known or suspected hazard that can't be evaluated by Level 1 or Level 2 methods. It allows removal of chimney components — including portions of the masonry or wall surfaces — to access the area in question. Level 3 is uncommon and is usually triggered by a major chimney fire, visible structural damage, or specific concerning findings from a Level 2 inspection that require deeper investigation.
What Inspectors Look For
- Creosote stage and buildup depth
- Liner integrity — cracks, offsets, missing sections (Level 2)
- Crown condition — cracking, erosion, separation
- Cap presence, condition, and fit
- Mortar joint condition throughout the exterior masonry
- Damper operation and sealing
- Smoke chamber corbeling and surface condition
- Flashing condition at the roofline
- Signs of moisture damage inside the firebox or flue
What You Get After the Inspection
Our inspection report includes written findings for each component evaluated, photographs of any issues found, and a clear explanation of what needs to be addressed. We walk you through the findings before we leave. If you need a formal written report for a real estate transaction or insurance claim, we provide that as part of the chimney inspection service — accepted by real estate attorneys, insurance companies, and building inspectors across New England.
Ready to Schedule an Inspection?
We serve Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, Medford, and surrounding towns. Reports accepted by real estate attorneys and insurance companies.
Book a Chimney Inspection