How much does a chimney inspection cost?
CSIA
Certified Sweeps
20+ yrs
In Business
4.9 ★
Customer Rating
100%
Satisfaction
The honest breakdown of chimney inspection prices
Chimney inspection pricing is confusing because most companies don't publish their rates. The industry-wide range is $100–$5,000 depending on which of three NFPA-211 inspection levels you actually need:
Level 1 — Standard visual inspection. The annual baseline. Industry: $100–$550. Brown Chimney: $49.
Level 2 — Camera inspection of the flue interior. Required after chimney fires, real estate sales, or fuel-type changes. Industry: $200–$1,000. Brown Chimney: $399.
Level 3 — Invasive inspection. Targeted access to expose hidden structural damage. Rare. Industry: $500–$5,000. Brown Chimney: $599.
Gas fireplace safety inspection. Tests pilot, valve, burner, and venting on gas units. Brown Chimney: $249.
The calculator below asks you two simple questions and tells you exactly which level you need — and what it costs. No upsells, no surprise fees.
What drives the price
What determines which inspection you need
The reason for the inspection
An annual safety check is a Level 1 ($49). Buying a home, after a chimney fire, or suspecting damage triggers a Level 2 camera inspection ($399). Level 3 is reserved for cases where Level 2 finds a hidden structural hazard.
Wood vs gas fireplace
Wood-burning fireplaces are inspected against NFPA-211 Level standards (1, 2, or 3). Gas fireplaces follow a separate safety checklist — pilot, burner, valve, venting, and safety shutoffs. Both protect your home; they just look at different systems.
Single vs multiple flues
Most homes have a single-flue chimney serving one fireplace. If your chimney serves multiple flues (a fireplace plus a furnace, for example), the inspection takes longer and may cost more. Tell us at booking and we'll quote on-site.
What we find on-site
If the inspection reveals damage — cracked liner, failing crown, missing cap, heavy creosote — we'll show you photos and write up a separate quote. The $49 inspection fee is credited toward any repair you book that visit. Nothing extra happens without your written approval.
What you get
What's included in a Brown Chimney inspection
Wood-burning chimney inspections follow the appropriate NFPA-211 level: Level 1 covers all readily accessible visual areas, Level 2 adds camera documentation of the flue interior, and Level 3 includes targeted access only when hidden damage is suspected. Gas fireplace inspections follow a dedicated safety and operational checklist (pilot, valve, burner, venting). Every inspection is performed by a CSIA-certified technician.
Visual inspection of all accessible chimney parts
Exterior masonry, crown, and flashing assessment
Roof-level inspection (cap condition, mortar joints at top, signs of water damage)
Creosote level measurement (Stage 1, 2, or 3 — determines if cleaning is needed)
Written report with photos of any issues found
Repair recommendations with line-item pricing — no pressure, no surprises
Step 1
Find your inspection price in 30 seconds
Step 2
Lock in your appointment
Tell us where and when. We'll reach out to confirm your appointment and answer any questions.
Common questions about chimney inspection costs
$49 to know. $0 in surprises.
