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Independent chimney guide for Philadelphia homeowners · not a contractor · if you ask, we refer you to one local contractor who may pay us · how this works

Guide

Chimney inspections when buying a Philadelphia house

A general home inspector usually looks at the chimney from the outside. A chimney inspection looks inside the flue, which is where the expensive problems hide.

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Which level to ask for

CSIA’s summary of the NFPA 211 standard describes Level I as the routine check for a chimney that will keep being used the same way. Level II adds accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements, may include a smoke or pressure test, and can include a video inspection of the flue. CSIA says a Level II is “also required upon the sale or transfer of a property,” as well as when you add a heating appliance, change fuel type, or after a malfunction or event likely to have damaged the chimney. Ask the sweep which level they’re doing and get it in writing.

What it costs

HomeGuide lists $100–$250 for Level I, $250–$600 for Level II with up to two flues, and $900–$5,000 for Level III.

What to look for in the report

  • Liner condition: cracked or missing clay tiles, corrosion in metal liners
  • Whether each appliance has its own properly sized flue
  • Crown, cap and flashing condition
  • Mortar and brick condition on the stack above the roof
  • Any newer neighboring building that rises above the chimney (see our guide)

Using it in negotiation

A relining estimate is a concrete number to bring to the seller. HomeGuide puts typical relining with removal of an old liner at $1,200–$4,600. Get a written quote before your inspection contingency runs out.

References

  1. Chimney Safety Institute of America: Levels of chimney inspection (NFPA 211)
  2. HomeGuide: Chimney inspection cost
  3. HomeGuide: Chimney liner cost

Checked October 30, 2026. Codes, fees, programs and prices change; confirm with the source. Cost figures are published ranges, not quotes.

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We’re an independent guide, not a contractor. If you want help, we’ll pass your request to one local chimney contractor. If we don’t have one for your job yet, we’ll tell you. They may pay us for that referral; you never pay us anything. Who gets this: one independent Philadelphia chimney contractor, not a call list. We send them your name, phone, ZIP and what you write here, and they call or text you about this request only. If we don’t have a contractor for your job yet, we’ll tell you instead of passing it on. They may pay us for the referral. We don’t sell your details to lead brokers.

If you smell gas, leave the house and call PGW at 215-235-1212 from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone feels sick, get everyone outside and call 911. Don’t use this form for emergencies.

Have a chimney question you want a pro to look at?

Tell us your ZIP code, what the chimney serves and what you’re seeing. We’ll pass it to one independent Philadelphia chimney contractor, who contacts you to set up an inspection and a written quote. If we don’t have one for your job yet, we’ll tell you.

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  2. We pass it to one local contractor, or tell you if we don’t have one yet
  3. They call or text you

Philly Chimney Repair is an independent guide, not a chimney contractor. If you ask for help, we’ll pass your request to one independent Philadelphia chimney contractor, who inspects, quotes and does the work. If we don’t have one for your job yet, we’ll tell you. That contractor may pay us for the referral. We are not affiliated with the City of Philadelphia, L&I or PGW. Disclosure.