Inspection

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

When there's a sale, a change to the system, or a reason for concern, a Level 2 looks closer than the accessible surfaces — including inside the flue.

Two Osprey Chimney Services technicians assessing a chimney at the roofline

A Level 2 inspection is called for when circumstances change: a property is being sold, a new appliance or liner is being connected, the fuel type is changing, or something has happened — a chimney fire, a storm, an earthquake elsewhere in the country, or a suspected problem. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus accessible areas like the attic and crawl space where relevant, and a video scan of the flue interior. Nothing here requires opening walls; that would be a Level 3, which we do not advertise or perform without a specific, confirmed reason.

What homeowners notice

  • You're buying or selling a home and the contract or agent asks for a fireplace/chimney inspection
  • You're adding or changing an appliance, insert or liner
  • You're switching fuels — for example wood to gas
  • There's been a chimney fire, a storm, or a suspected problem you want ruled in or out

How we diagnose it

  • Everything included in a Level 1 inspection
  • Accessible areas beyond the readily accessible — attic, crawl space or basement where relevant
  • A video scan of the flue interior to check the liner along its length
  • Proper sizing and connection for any appliance change under consideration

Your options — and their limits

Pre-sale / real estate

A documented, current condition report for buyers and sellers.

System-change inspection

Confirming the flue suits a new appliance, insert, liner or fuel before work proceeds.

Post-event inspection

Assessing the flue and structure after a fire, storm or suspected damage before the system is used again.

What affects the price

We don't post flat prices, because an honest number depends on what we actually find. These are the factors that move it:

  • Extent of accessible areas to be reviewed
  • Whether video scanning is included (it usually is at this level)
  • Chimney height, access and number of flues

When to stop using the system and get it evaluated

  • The flue shows cracking or gaps on the video scan — stop using the system until it's addressed
  • There's evidence of a past chimney fire
  • The structure shows movement or separation

How to prepare for the visit

  • Let the system go cold
  • Gather prior reports, appliance manuals and any details of the event prompting the inspection
  • For a sale, share the timeline so we can turn findings around promptly

Applies to

Home sales and purchasesAppliance, insert, liner or fuel changesSystems after a fire, storm or suspected damage

Questions homeowners ask

Do you open walls for a Level 2?

No. A Level 2 uses accessible areas and a video scan. Opening concealed areas is a Level 3, which is only appropriate for a specific confirmed reason and isn't something we market.

Is a Level 2 required for a home sale?

It's the appropriate level when a fireplace is part of a real estate transaction, because ownership is changing and the flue should be checked along its length.

Related services

Serving South Florida

We provide level 2 chimney inspection across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade. A few of the areas we serve:

Talk to a South Florida chimney technician

Not sure whether it's a cleaning, a repair, or something to look at before your next fire? Tell us what you're noticing and we'll help you figure out the right next step.