If you are buying a new home in the Atlanta, GA, area, there are many factors to consider. You may be concerned with its location, school district, HVAC system, and countless other considerations when choosing a new home. When you finally find the house that meets your criteria, including a beautiful fireplace, there is one more thing you should do before making that offer. You may want to schedule a professional chimney inspection.
It is a common misunderstanding amongst home buyers, especially first-time buyers, that a complete home inspection will be performed. Yes, there are inspections that are required but they are not as intricate as you may believe. Many home buyers have found out in the months or years after their purchase that there were existing issues that were not revealed during the pre-sale house inspection. This can include dangerous and expensive chimney problems.
The basic pre-sale inspection will look at the chimney, but it is only used to detect visible damage to the structure. If it has obvious structural issues like leaning or cracks, it will be mentioned in the inspection report. However, many chimney issues are not easily detected from a basic inspection. You need a chimney expert to thoroughly perform an inspection to ensure that it is structurally sound.
Protect Your Family and Investment
Chimneys are designed to last for many decades, but few are maintained as needed. Many people never have their chimneys cleaned or inspected, even though these features can be very dangerous if not maintained. There are many possible issues that could be hiding inside the chimney that could cause a variety of problems. These include:
- Excessive creosote that can increase the risk of fires and contribute to unhealthy indoor air
- Linear damage that can result in smoke and carbon monoxide entering the home or higher risks of chimney fires
- Obstructions that can result in carbon monoxide poisoning
- Mold growth and damage
- Interior structural damage that may lead to a leaning or defective chimney
If you buy a home with a defective chimney, it could cause fires and air quality issues that put you, your family, and your house at risk. Repairing chimneys can be a substantial cost, which you will want to know before you purchase a home. Getting a level 3 chimney inspection can give you peace of mind that the chimney is in good condition before you sign any contract.
Do not pass on performing a thorough chimney inspection before buying a new home. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it could save you thousands of dollars down the road and ensure that it is safe to start a comfy fire to keep your family warm. Contact us at ^ to schedule a chimney inspection – we have over 90 years of chimney repair experience in Atlanta, GA.
Posted on behalf of John Anglin, Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
