HD camera chimney inspection with detailed photo report. See exactly what we see. Level 1, 2, and 3 inspections available. Perfect for annual checkups, home purchases, and insurance claims. From $149.
Our chimney inspections use high-definition camera systems that capture every crack, gap, and deterioration point inside your flue. Every inspection includes a detailed photo report with written recommendations — so you make informed decisions, not pressured ones. No scare tactics, no pressure to buy services you do not need.
| Level | What It Covers | Starting At |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Visual inspection of accessible areas. Standard annual checkup. | $149 |
| Level 2 | Video scanning of entire flue. Required for home sales, appliance changes, after chimney fires. | $249 |
| Level 3 | Partial disassembly to access concealed areas. Used when serious hazards are suspected. | $499+ |
Level 1 is what most homeowners need annually. Our technician arrives, lays drop cloths, and visually examines the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and accessible portions of the flue. The entire process takes 30-45 minutes. You get a written report with photos and a pass/fail assessment the same day.
Level 2 goes deeper. We insert an HD camera into the flue and scan the entire interior from top to bottom, recording video of every joint, crack, and liner section. We also check accessible areas of the attic and crawl spaces where the chimney passes through. This takes 45-90 minutes depending on the chimney. Your photo report includes annotated images showing exactly what we found and what — if anything — needs attention.
Level 3 is rare. It involves removing chimney components or opening walls to investigate concealed hazards — usually after a chimney fire or when Level 2 findings suggest hidden structural damage. We only recommend Level 3 when there is genuine cause for concern.
Upgrade to Level 2 if any of these apply: you are buying or selling a home (most lenders and buyer agents require it), you have experienced a chimney fire or heard popping/cracking sounds during use, you are switching from wood to gas or gas to wood, you have not used the chimney in several years, or your Level 1 inspection reveals exterior damage that may indicate interior problems. When in doubt, Level 2 gives you certainty — the camera does not lie.
If you are buying or selling a home in Chicago, a Level 2 chimney inspection is the industry standard. Buyers in competitive neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Oak Park, and Hinsdale routinely request them during the inspection period. For sellers, getting a pre-listing inspection eliminates surprises and prevents last-minute renegotiations. We work directly with real estate agents and can schedule around closing timelines. Our reports are formatted for easy inclusion in transaction documents — clear findings, annotated photos, and specific repair recommendations with cost estimates.
The City of Chicago follows the International Residential Code (IRC) for chimney construction and maintenance. The IRC requires that chimneys serving solid fuel appliances be inspected annually. When any changes are made to the system — new appliance, relining, or change in fuel type — a Level 2 inspection is required before returning the chimney to service. Chicago's older housing stock (bungalows built in the 1920s-40s, brick two-flats, Victorians in neighborhoods like Beverly and Pullman) often has chimneys that predate modern building codes, making regular inspection especially important.
Every Widen inspection includes a detailed photo report delivered digitally. The report includes high-resolution images of every area inspected, annotated callouts for any damage or deterioration found, a condition rating for each chimney component (crown, flashing, flue liner, firebox, damper, cap), repair recommendations prioritized by urgency, and estimated costs for any recommended work. You keep the report permanently — it is useful for insurance claims, home sale documentation, and tracking your chimney's condition over time.
Annually before winter use, when buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, when switching fuel types (wood to gas or vice versa), after a major storm or earthquake, or if you notice smoke entering your home, unusual odors, or visible exterior damage. For home purchases in Chicago, Level 2 inspections are standard and often required by lenders.
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