Chimney inspection in San Diego. Camera-verified, in writing.
Most chimney 'inspections' are a flashlight glance and a thumbs up. We follow the CSIA inspection standard with three defined levels — annual maintenance (Level 1), pre-purchase or post-event (Level 2 with full camera), and structural (Level 3). Every inspection ends with a written report and photos you can show a lender, insurer, or seller.
What's included in this service?
- CSIA Level 1 — annual safety check, accessible portions only
- CSIA Level 2 — full color video scan top to bottom, required for home sales and after chimney fires
- CSIA Level 3 — partial removal where hidden defects are suspected
- Cap, crown, and crown wash condition assessment from the roof
- Flue tile, mortar joint, and liner integrity assessment with camera
- Combustible clearance verification per NFPA 211
- Written report with photos, marked sketches, and prioritized recommendations
When do you need this service?
- You're buying a home with a fireplace (Level 2 required by most home inspectors)
- You're selling a home and want to disclose with confidence
- You had a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake (Level 2 required)
- You're switching fuels — wood to gas, gas to wood, gas to insert
- Your insurer is asking for a written inspection report
- You see crumbling mortar, water stains, or a leaning chimney
What do homeowners ask about Inspection?
What is a Level 2 chimney inspection?
A Level 2 inspection is the standard for real estate transactions and any chimney that may have been damaged. It includes everything in Level 1 plus a full video camera scan of the entire flue from top to bottom, an attic and basement check, and a written report with photos. Most lenders and home inspectors require it before closing.
Do I really need an inspection every year?
Yes if you use the fireplace at all. NFPA 211 and the CSIA both recommend annual inspection for any chimney venting solid fuel, gas, or oil. The point is not the cleaning — it is catching cracked liners, failing crowns, and missing flashing before they cause a house fire or an interior leak.
Will you give me a written report I can use for the home sale?
Yes. Our Level 2 report is formatted for lenders, insurers, and real estate disclosure. It lists all visible defects with photos, marks them as safety, structural, or cosmetic, and gives a clear repair-or-pass recommendation. We email it within 24 hours of the inspection.
What if you find something major?
You get the report and our recommendation. We can quote the repair work, but there is no obligation — many clients take our report and get a second opinion or hire their own mason. Our job at inspection is to document the truth, not to upsell.
Do you inspect gas fireplaces and inserts?
We do. Gas appliance inspection focuses on the venting (Type B or direct-vent), burner pan, valve, gas connection, and combustible clearances. We test for spillage with a smoke pencil and check the carbon monoxide reading at the appliance. Most gas fireplace problems are venting problems.
Where do we offer Inspection in San Diego County?
We provide inspection in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See inspection in all 48 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Bought our 1980s house with no service history on the fireplace. Their camera scan found a cracked clay tile we never would have spotted. Sweep was dust-free — couldn't tell they'd been in our living room. Written report in my inbox the next morning.
Called for a leak that two roofers had blamed on the roof. Their tech ran a hose test and showed me it was the crown — pictures and everything. Crown rebuild stopped the leak the same week. Honest work and clear pricing.
Raccoons in the chimney for two seasons. Other companies wanted to sell me a full inspection package first. Draft Pro came out, installed a stainless cap with proper mesh, and the noises stopped that night. Fair price.
Need inspection in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.