Quick AnswerA standard chimney inspection in Cleveland runs $199 as part of our flat-fee winter sweep special, which includes a full sweep plus a free visual inspection with no obligation to book repairs. Every inspection follows NFPA 211 national fire code standards and is performed by professionally trained technicians who document findings with photos, not guesswork. You get a written report the same day, so you know exactly what your chimney needs before you spend another dollar.
What We Do
Not every chimney needs the same level of scrutiny. NFPA 211 defines three inspection levels based on your situation, plus specialty options for hidden problems and real estate transactions. Here's how ASH Chimney matches the right inspection to your needs, without upselling you into a level you don't need.
- Level 1 Inspection — our routine annual checkup for chimneys with a known, unchanged history: a visual check of readily accessible parts of the flue, firebox, and exterior to confirm everything is sound before heating season.
- Level 2 Inspection — required after a chimney fire, severe weather, an appliance change, or before buying or selling a home; includes everything in a Level 1 plus a video camera scan of the entire flue and accessible attic, crawlspace, and basement areas.
- Level 3 Inspection — reserved for suspected serious hazards, such as a hidden structural crack behind a wall; involves removing sections of chimney or wall material to physically inspect concealed areas that a camera can't reach.
- Video Camera Inspection — a high-resolution scan of the entire flue interior, revealing cracked tiles, creosote buildup, and animal nests that a flashlight and mirror will never catch, with recorded footage you can keep.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection — a Level 2 inspection built for home buyers and sellers on a closing timeline, giving you a written report and photo documentation you can hand straight to your real estate agent or attorney.
Signs You Need Chimney Inspection
- You haven't had an inspection in over a year, or ever
- Visible white staining (efflorescence) or crumbling mortar on the exterior chimney
- A smoky smell in the house even when the fireplace is cold
- Rust, cracked flue tiles, or debris in the firebox
- You're buying or selling a home with a fireplace or wood stove
Our Process
Book Your Appointment
Call (216) 238-9228 or request online and we'll schedule a same-week visit, often faster during the off-season.
On-Site Visual Check
Your technician arrives on time and walks the exterior, firebox, and accessible flue before quoting anything.
Camera & Written Findings
If deeper access is needed, we run a video scan and document every finding with photos, not vague opinions.
Straight Answer, No Pressure
You receive a written report and a flat-fee estimate for any recommended work, with zero obligation to proceed.
How Much Does It Cost?
Inspection pricing shouldn't be a mystery, and it isn't here. Our $199 winter special covers a full chimney sweep plus a free visual inspection, our most common combination for homeowners getting ready for heating season. If your situation calls for a deeper Level 2 video scan, a Level 3 investigation, or a pre-purchase report, we quote that price upfront before any camera goes into your flue. You will never be handed a bill that's higher than what we told you on the phone, and you're never pressured into repair work just because an inspection uncovered an issue. Every estimate is written, itemized, and yours to think over.
FAQs
A basic visual inspection is included free with our $199 winter chimney sweep special, which covers both the sweep and the inspection. If your chimney needs a Level 2 video scan or a more involved Level 3 inspection, we give you that price in writing before we start, so there's never a surprise on your invoice.
NFPA 211 recommends an annual inspection for every chimney, fireplace, and vent, even if you barely used it last winter. Homes with wood stoves, homes that recently had a chimney fire, or homes changing heating appliances should schedule an inspection sooner rather than waiting for the annual visit.
A Level 1 inspection is a routine visual check of the parts of your chimney you can easily see, appropriate when nothing has changed and you're just doing annual maintenance. A Level 2 inspection adds a full video camera scan of the entire flue and is required after a chimney fire, severe weather, an appliance swap, or before a home sale.
Yes, most real estate agents and attorneys in the Cleveland area recommend it, and many buyers request it directly. Our pre-purchase inspection is a Level 2 scan with a written report and photo documentation you can hand off during closing, protecting both sides from disputes after the sale.