Buying or Selling a Home? Get a Real Estate Chimney Inspection From Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc.
Buying or selling a home can often be a stressful time. If you’re looking for your dream home, it can be hard to find the right fit that ticks all of the boxes on your list. On the other hand, there is a ton of preparation and tasks that have to be completed when you’re putting your home up for sale. A hearth appliance like a wood-burning fireplace or pellet stove can be a deciding feature for potential home buyers. If an appliance isn’t in good condition, it can bring a real estate transaction to a screeching halt.
Whether you’re selling a house for the first time or you’re an experienced home buyer, it’s important to schedule a real estate chimney inspection with Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc. Click here to request an appointment or get in touch with us at 303-679-1601.
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What Is a Real Estate Chimney Inspection?
A crucial step in a real estate transaction is having your chimney system examined by a certified chimney sweep. This inspection is more detailed than what a routine home inspection can provide. During the process, a chimney sweep will thoroughly assess the chimney’s safety and functionality to ensure it’s in good working condition.
There are three levels of chimney inspections. A real estate inspection is usually a Level 2 inspection which includes everything in Level 1 inspection. It also calls for deploying camera equipment to get a closer look at the flue liner and other portions of the chimney that are not readily visible in a Level 1 inspection.
Why Is a Chimney Inspection Necessary When Buying or Selling a Home?
Purchasing a home is a big investment, and selling a home is a chance to enjoy the benefits of that investment. Chimney repairs can get very expensive – especially if prior homeowners haven’t kept up with annual chimney maintenance.
For buyers, an inspection can reveal hidden issues that could lead to expensive repairs down the road. Knowing about these problems before you get too far along in the process allows prospective buyers to factor the cost of repairs into an offer.
For sellers, a chimney inspection gives you the opportunity to diagnose and address any problems before listing the house. This can help you decide on a listing price while preventing potential buyers from backing out or making below-market offers due to chimney repairs.
Who Should Perform a Chimney Inspection?
A real estate chimney inspection is different from a home inspection as it focuses exclusively on the hearth appliance and its chimney. A chimney system is complex and you will not get an accurate assessment of its state from a standard home inspector who isn’t qualified to identify or treat chimney issues.
When you need a real estate chimney inspection, you should only trust a chimney sweep that has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and/or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). We have the necessary expertise and background to correctly identify and remedy chimney problems.
Who Is Responsible for Paying for a Real Estate Chimney Inspection?
It is typical for buyers to cover the cost of a chimney inspection, however this isn’t written in stone. Depending on what is agreed upon during negotiations, some options may work better for your situation, including:
- The buyer pays. A chimney inspection allows buyers to identify any potential problems with the chimney that could lead to future repairs or safety concerns. Since a chimney inspection helps ensure the buyer is purchasing a safe and functional home, it makes sense for them to cover the cost.
- The seller pays. If the seller is aware of any chimney problems, they may choose to pay for an inspection to be transparent about the condition, expedite the sale, and avoid potential legal issues later.
- Both parties contribute. As a chimney inspection benefits both parties, it’s not uncommon for the buyer and seller to agree to split the cost of the inspection evenly between them.
Close the Deal with a Real Estate Chimney Inspection
There is a lot to take into consideration when purchasing or selling a home. Let Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney take a little stress off your shoulders with a real estate chimney inspection. Call us today at 303-679-1601 to book an inspection or request an appointment online.
Calling us for your chimney and fireplace inspection is the first and best step you can take toward better home safety. Our chimney and fireplace services cover it all.