How much does a chimney inspection cost?
CSIA
Certified Sweeps
4.9 ★
Customer Rating
$49
Level 1 Inspection
The honest breakdown of chimney inspection prices
Chimney inspection pricing is confusing because most companies don't publish their rates, and prices vary widely by level — so it matters which of the three standard inspection levels you actually need:
- Level 1: the yearly visual check for a system you already use, when nothing has changed. Brown Chimney: $49.
- Level 2: Level 1 plus a camera scan of the full flue, with written findings. Required for a home sale or purchase, after a chimney fire or storm damage, or when anything about the system changes. Brown Chimney: $350, or $550 with a formal documented report.
If the scan turns up buildup, a chimney cleaning clears it. - Level 3: opens specific walls or chimney areas to see what a camera cannot. Brown Chimney: $600–$3,000.
Serious findings may call for crown repair or a rebuild. - Gas fireplace inspection and safety assessment: burner, pilot, ignition, valve, venting and safety shutoffs tested, with written findings. Brown Chimney: $550.
If you're considering a new unit, see fireplace installation pricing. - Camera scan add-on: the same camera scan added to a cleaning or Level 1 visit, with findings shared on site. Brown Chimney: $150.
- Roof-level check on a hard-access roof: added to a Level 1 only with your approval, and included in every Level 2. Brown Chimney: $150.
- Leak, smoke and odor diagnosis: we find the cause before anyone spends money on a repair, with water or smoke testing where needed. Brown Chimney: $150.
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
Why you need it decides the level.
An annual check of a system you already use is a Level 1 ($49). A home sale, a chimney fire or storm damage, or any change to the system calls for a Level 2 ($350, or $550 with a documented report). A Level 3 ($600 to $3,000) is only for when a camera shows hidden damage.
Wood vs gas fireplace
Wood-burning fireplaces are inspected at Level 1, 2 or 3. On a gas unit, the $49 Level 1 is visual only; opening the glass or lighting the pilot is gas fireplace service ($350 minimum). A full gas fireplace inspection and safety assessment tests the burner, pilot, ignition, valve, venting and safety shutoffs, with written findings, for $550.
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, such as a cracked liner, a failing crown, a missing cap or heavy creosote, we show you photos and write up a separate repair quote. The $49 Level 1 fee is credited toward repair work booked within 30 days. Nothing extra happens without your 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 are done at the level your situation calls for: Level 1 covers the accessible parts, Level 2 adds a camera scan of the full flue with written findings, and Level 3 opens specific areas only when a camera shows hidden damage. Gas fireplace inspections follow a dedicated safety checklist: burner, pilot, ignition, valve, venting and safety shutoffs. Every inspection is performed by a CSIA-certified technician.
Visual inspection of all accessible chimney parts
Exterior masonry, crown, and flashing assessment
Top of the chimney checked from the ground, by drone, or from the roof when access is reasonable
Creosote level measurement (Stage 1, 2, or 3 — determines if cleaning is needed)
Findings shared on site, with written findings on a Level 2
Same-day repair quote, with no pressure and 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,
- Detroit,
- Northville,
- Rochester Hills,
- Brighton,
- Farmington Hills,
- Novi,
- Birmingham,
- Bloomfield Hills,
- West Bloomfield
- Boston,
- Burlington,
- Wellesley
- Southlake,
- Dallas
- Carmel
- Providence
- Matawan
Common questions about chimney inspection costs
$49 to know. $0 in surprises.
