Getting a home ready to put on the market can be a stressful process. Between packing, staging, and the multitude of home improvement projects that need to be completed, it can be easy to forget
your fireplace! However, having your fireplace and chimney inspected before you put your home on the market can benefit both buyers and sellers.
While a real estate certification is not required when selling a home, it can serve as added peace of mind for potential buyers. Because of this, we recommend all sellers have a real estate inspection done before putting their home on the market.
Real estate chimney certifications
Having the chimney swept and inspected before you put your home on the market is one way to ensure it is ready to sell – and that there will be no surprises during the home inspection. While home inspectors may have cursory knowledge of fireplaces and chimneys, many lack the in-depth knowledge to make an accurate assessment. Because of this, an existing real estate chimney certification can be a valuable tool in assuring a potential buyer that the fireplace system is in good condition. The in-depth, Level 2 chimney inspection can evaluate areas of the chimney that are otherwise inaccessible; this allows any areas of damage to be found and repairs to be made before the home is sold.
Carbon monoxide requirements
While a chimney inspection can identify many common issues with your fireplace system, it cannot see carbon monoxide leaks. This colorless, odorless gas can be fatal; because of this, it is important to make sure the toxic gas is not present when the fireplace is in use. This type of testing is extremely important in homes with gas fireplaces, where carbon monoxide leaks are more common.
At Mason’s Chimney Service’s we have NCI-certified Carbon Monoxide Analysts. Our analysts can inspect your heating appliance for any signs of cracks or gaps that could let this poisonous gas through. Likewise, we can install an NSI low-level CO monitor; these monitors are much more sensitive and accurate than those commonly found at home improvement or big box stores.
What to expect during an inspection
In order to earn a real estate chimney certification before being put on the market, your home will need to undergo a Level 2 chimney inspection. Level II chimney inspections utilize technology including closed circuit cameras in order to evaluate the otherwise inaccessible portions of the flue.
At Mason’s Chimney Service, we have a 100-point-plus inspection that fully evaluates every part of the chimney system. When finished, homeowners receive documentation of the inspection along with a report outlining the current condition of the fireplace and chimney; any areas of damage will be noted and suggested repairs can be recommended.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, a real estate certification can help give potential buyers peace of mind about the condition of your fireplace and chimney. Contact Mason’s Chimney Service today for more information on chimney inspections before buying or selling a home.