How much does a chimney inspection cost?
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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: $149.
If the scan turns up buildup, a chimney cleaning clears it. - Level 3 — Invasive inspection. Targeted access to expose hidden structural damage. Industry: $500–$5,000. Brown Chimney: $599–$2,999.
Serious findings may call for crown repair or a rebuild. - Gas fireplace safety inspection. Tests pilot, valve, burner, and venting on gas units. Brown Chimney: $549.
If you're considering a new unit, see fireplace installation pricing.
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
The reason for the inspection
$49 - $2,999. 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 ($149). 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. These are the warning signs worth knowing before they become expensive.
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.
Service area
We currently serve these cities — and a 20-mile radius around each
- Ann Arbor,
- Troy,
- Northville,
- Rochester Hills,
- Brighton,
- Farmington Hills,
- Novi,
- Birmingham,
- Bloomfield Hills,
- West Bloomfield
- Burlington,
- Wellesley
- Southlake,
- Dallas
- Carmel
- Providence
- Matawan
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Common questions about chimney inspection costs
$49 to know. $0 in surprises.
