A mark on the ceiling, an unfamiliar smell, or a question after buying a home can each be a reason to look more closely. Inspection and cleaning answer different questions. An inspection considers condition; a sweep addresses deposits. The appropriate scope depends on the system, its history, and the reason for the visit.
Bring the history into the picture
Existing inspection reports, appliance information, previous repairs, and your description of the concern help frame an assessment. A short timeline is often more useful than guessing at a diagnosis.
Understand the scope
Ask which areas will be examined, which are accessible, and how findings will be recorded. The scope should be clear before the visit; an inspection is not the same as approving repair work.
Leave with a next step
The useful outcome is an understandable account of what was observed, what remains uncertain, and whether maintenance, more investigation, or repair should follow.
Discuss this serviceDocument what can be seen
For new customers, the free inspection documents visible, safely accessible conditions and, when safe and permitted, drone images of the exterior chimney. We explain what each image shows and note areas that could not be reached or seen. A formal Level 2 camera scan is a separate, quoted service.
Match the visit to your reason for calling
Tell us if the request follows a property purchase, a long period without use, a proposed appliance change, a leak, or an earlier repair recommendation. Those circumstances help frame the information needed. If a transaction or another party requires a particular inspection level or report format, share the requirement before booking so its scope can be confirmed rather than assumed from the word inspection.
Read the findings before choosing work
A useful report separates observed conditions from limitations and recommended next steps. Ask where each concern was found, which photographs support it, and whether additional access is needed to understand the extent. Keep appliance identification and prior reports with the new findings. If repair is recommended, request an explanation connecting the proposed work to the documented condition before deciding on a project.
Independent homeowner resource: CSIA homeowner resources.
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