A chimney inspection tells you the real condition of your flue, liner, and masonry before a small problem becomes a dangerous one. Elite Sweepers performs NFPA-standard Level 1 and Level 2 inspections across Homer Glen and the Southwest suburbs, with clear photos and an honest report — never a scare tactic to sell work you do not need.
The levels of chimney inspection explained
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) defines three levels of chimney inspection, each for a different situation:
- Level 1 — the standard annual check for a chimney in continued service with no changes. We examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney, flue, and connections.
- Level 2 — required when you buy or sell a home, after a chimney fire or weather event, or when you change fuels or appliances. It adds a video scan of the flue interior and a look at accessible attics, crawlspaces, and basements.
- Level 3 — reserved for serious hazards that require removing part of the structure to investigate. These are rare and only done when a Level 2 finds a hidden problem.
When do you need each level?
If you use your fireplace and nothing has changed, a Level 1 inspection once a year is enough. Get a Level 2 any time the risk profile changes: a real-estate transaction, after any chimney fire (even a small one), after an earthquake or severe storm, or when installing a new insert or switching from wood to gas. When in doubt, ask us — we will recommend the right level for your situation and nothing more.
What we look for
An inspection is about finding the hidden problems that cause fires, leaks, and carbon-monoxide issues: cracked or spalling flue tiles, creosote glaze, gaps in the liner, a failing crown or cap, deteriorating mortar joints, blockages from nests or debris, and improper clearances. With a Level 2, our camera goes inside the flue so nothing stays hidden. You get photos of anything we flag.
Honest inspections for Southwest-suburb homes
Elite Sweepers inspects chimneys throughout Homer Glen, Orland Park, Lockport, Lemont, Mokena, New Lenox, and nearby towns. If we find an issue, we explain how urgent it really is — what needs doing now, what can wait, and what does not need doing at all. That honesty is why homeowners keep calling us back each year.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a chimney be inspected?
At least once a year for any chimney you use, per NFPA and CSIA guidance. An annual Level 1 inspection catches problems while they are still small and inexpensive to fix.
Do I need an inspection when buying a house?
Yes — a Level 2 inspection is the standard for a real-estate transaction. It includes a video scan of the flue so you know exactly what you are buying before you close.
What happens after a chimney fire?
Even a small chimney fire can crack the liner and compromise the structure. NFPA calls for a Level 2 inspection before you use the chimney again, and we can perform that assessment and document the damage.
Is a camera scan included?
A video flue scan is part of a Level 2 inspection. For a routine Level 1, we inspect the accessible areas visually; if we suspect a hidden issue, we will recommend upgrading to a Level 2.
How long does an inspection take?
A Level 1 usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. A Level 2 with a video scan takes longer, often an hour or more depending on the chimney and how many flues it has.
Will an inspection find carbon-monoxide risks?
It can flag the causes — blockages, cracked liners, or poor draft that let combustion gases back up into the home. We always recommend working CO alarms as a second line of defense.
Can you inspect and sweep in the same visit?
Yes. Most annual visits combine a sweep with a Level 1 inspection, which is the most efficient way to keep a fireplace safe and ready.
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
We quote an up-front price before we begin; a Level 2 with a video scan costs more than a routine Level 1. See our pricing page for current starting rates.
Schedule a chimney inspection
Up-front pricing, careful work, and a real person on the phone — 7 days a week, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Call (708) 432-3977