A Level 1 inspection is a basic visual check of the readily accessible parts of a chimney, done during routine sweeping when nothing has changed about the system. A Level 2 inspection is more thorough and includes accessible portions of the attic, crawlspace, and basement, plus a video scan of the interior flue, and is required whenever you sell or buy a home, add or change an appliance, reline the chimney, or after a chimney fire, earthquake, or other event that could have damaged the flue. Both levels are defined by NFPA 211, the national standard chimney professionals reference for inspection scope.
What a Level 1 inspection covers
A Level 1 inspection is the standard inspection recommended alongside annual sweeping when the system is in continued, normal service. The technician visually checks the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, the appliance connection, and the flue, looking for basic soundness and clear passage — no obstructions, no visible damage. It doesn't require special tools or access to concealed areas like inside walls or above ceilings. For a chimney used the same way it always has been, with no known problems, this is typically what a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep performs during a routine annual visit.
What a Level 2 inspection adds
A Level 2 inspection includes everything in Level 1, plus accessible areas of attics, crawlspaces, and basements, and a scan of the interior flue surfaces using a video camera. This lets the inspector see cracks, gaps in the liner, or deteriorated mortar joints that aren't visible from the top or bottom of the flue. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection under specific circumstances:
- Buying or selling a home (a Level 2 is the standard pre-sale inspection)
- Adding, removing, or replacing an appliance connected to the chimney
- Relining or making other changes to the flue
- After an event that could damage the chimney, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, earthquake, or severe weather
A Level 2 does not require removing permanent parts of the building structure — that's reserved for a Level 3 inspection, which is used when a Level 1 or 2 turns up a suspected serious hazard, such as a hidden crack, and the technician needs to open a wall or chimney chase to confirm it.
Why the video scan matters
Creosote and soot buildup are leading contributors to chimney fires, and structural problems like a cracked flue tile can allow heat and combustion byproducts to reach nearby wood framing undetected. A visual-only Level 1 inspection can miss these because they're inside the flue itself. The video scan used in a Level 2 is the only reliable way to confirm the liner is intact along its full length, which is why real estate transactions and post-fire assessments call for it specifically rather than a basic check.
How much a Level 2 inspection costs
Pricing varies by region and by how the inspection is bundled, but a Level 2 inspection with video scanning generally costs more than a routine Level 1 check or a standard sweeping, since it takes longer and requires camera equipment and additional access points. Homeowners typically see it quoted either as a standalone service or bundled with a sweeping and cleaning visit. Get a written scope before booking so you know whether attic and crawlspace access are included.
How to choose and verify a chimney service company
Because chimney sweeping is unlicensed in most states, the credential that matters is CSIA certification — it signals the technician has passed a standardized exam covering chimney and venting systems, including inspection standards under NFPA 211. You can verify any individual's current certification status yourself in the public CSIA directory, and the National Chimney Sweep Guild is another resource for finding member companies and educational background on the trade. Our listings are drawn from the public CSIA certified-professional directory — we are an independent directory of source-backed public records, and we do not certify or endorse any chimney service company ourselves, so always verify current certification and insurance directly with the company before you hire.
FAQs
Do I need a Level 2 inspection every year? No. Annual maintenance for a chimney in continued, unchanged service is typically covered by a Level 1 inspection alongside sweeping. Level 2 is triggered by specific events like a sale, an appliance change, or damage — not routine annual use.
Can I request a Level 2 inspection even if none of the triggers apply? Yes. Some homeowners choose a Level 2 for extra peace of mind, especially for an older chimney or one with an unknown history, even without a qualifying event.
What's a Level 3 inspection? A Level 3 inspection is used when a Level 1 or 2 inspection suggests a serious hidden hazard and confirming it requires removing permanent components of the building, such as a chimney chase or a section of wall.