What the service should establish
Level 2 includes internal examination using video scanning or another appropriate means, alongside examination of accessible areas. Arrange access before the appointment and identify every connected appliance rather than assuming one camera pass covers the house.
Where the scope stops
For a property purchase, request the report before the inspection contingency deadline. A general home inspection and a specialist chimney inspection are separate scopes; neither report should be represented as the other.
The Advisor standard · Define before deciding
Plan the report around the decision you need to make
For a property purchase, identify deadlines and arrange permission for access early. Ask whether the quotation covers every fireplace and connected appliance. The seller’s sweeping invoice, the general home inspection and a specialist chimney examination may all cover different things.
What a comparable proposal looks like
For a changed appliance, bring the old and new model information where available. Ask the inspector to connect the changed circumstance to the proposed examination. If a camera cannot inspect part of a passage, ask for the limitation and proposed next step in writing rather than accepting an unexplained gap in the footage.
Four items to take away
- Trigger for the broader scope
- Each flue identified in images
- Relevant accessible spaces
- Report delivery date and limitations
Is a general home inspection enough for the fireplace?
Read the actual scope. A general inspection may not include the specialist examination or internal imaging you expect. Ask both inspectors what is covered and what requires a separate appointment.
Original homeowner comparison checklist, not a technical specification. For maintenance and inspection background, see CSIA homeowner resources. Follow the applicable appliance instructions and on-site findings. How this guidance is produced.
Background and safety references
For inspection and maintenance background, consult CSIA homeowner resources. Product-specific work follows the applicable manufacturer instructions and local requirements. Our official resources page separates government safety advice from industry education.