Fireplace & Chimney Inspection in Houston, TX
A condition check of the fireplace, chimney and flue — so you know what you have before you light a fire, list a house or approve a repair.
- 77016 Houston
- 77029 Houston / Jacinto City area
- 77033 Houston
- 77502 Pasadena
- 77547 Galena Park
An inspection answers a different question than a sweep. Cleaning removes deposits; an inspection asks whether the parts that contain heat, smoke and water are doing their jobs. For many Houston homes with a fireplace that is rarely used, that is the more useful first visit.
This page is about arranging that appointment. If you want the technical background on inspection levels, our Level 2 chimney inspection guide covers it in depth.
What a chimney inspection typically looks at
- The firebox, hearth and visible fireplace surround.
- Damper operation and seal.
- The smoke chamber and the visible flue from below.
- The exterior chimney: masonry or chase, crown or chase cover, cap and flashing, where safely accessible.
- Signs of water entry, heat damage or deterioration.
- Findings explained in plain terms, with photos where they help.
What this does not cover
An inspection is limited to what can be reached and seen. Parts hidden inside walls or behind finished surfaces may not be visible without camera equipment or further access. Ask before booking whether the scope you need — for example a camera scan of the full flue — is part of the visit you are arranging.
Signs you may need this
- You are buying or selling a home with a fireplace.
- The fireplace has not been used in years.
- There was a chimney fire, lightning strike or storm damage.
- You see cracks, staining, or loose brick on the chimney.
- You are adding or changing a fireplace insert, stove or gas logs.
Which kind of inspection should you ask for?
For a chimney that has been in regular use with no changes, a basic visual check of accessible parts is often enough. Property transfers, appliance changes and suspected damage usually call for a more detailed inspection that includes the full length of the flue.
If the inspection turns up a problem, repair is quoted separately. You decide what to do with the findings — nothing is started without your approval.
About cost
Cost depends on the inspection level, access and whether camera documentation is included. See the chimney inspection cost guide for what to compare. Read the cost guide
How it works
Three steps, and you approve each one
- 1
Tell us what you are seeing
Call or send the form with your ZIP code and address, and describe the symptom — a stain, a smell, debris, a fireplace that will not light.
- 2
Arrange the right assessment
We agree what kind of visit makes sense: a cleaning, an inspection, or a look at a specific problem.
- 3
Review findings before any work
You get the findings, the proposed scope and a quote. Nothing beyond the agreed visit starts without your go-ahead.
Questions about this service
Is a chimney inspection the same as a fireplace inspection?
For our purposes, yes. We look at the fireplace and the chimney above it as one system, because a problem in one affects the other.
Do I get something in writing?
Ask when you call. We will confirm what documentation is part of the inspection you are arranging before the appointment.
Does an inspection include cleaning?
Not automatically. A heavily sooted flue can hide defects, so cleaning is sometimes recommended before or with an inspection.
What happens if you find a problem?
We explain what was found and, if you want, quote the repair separately. You are never committed to repair work by booking an inspection.
Describe the problem. Get a straight answer.
Serving 77016 · 77029 · 77033 · 77502 · 77547. Please confirm your service address when you call.