01
Why mention the transaction first?
CSIA’s 2019 professional guidance recommends a broader Level 2 review in property-sale circumstances. Mention the transaction when asking which chimney inspection is appropriate.
Confirm the actual system, current standard, accessible areas and report with the qualified professional. Any transaction-specific or local requirements need separate confirmation.
02
Which documents help?
Gather what you already have before the visit. Useful documents include:
- Existing chimney reports, with dates and the name of the system reviewed.
- Known appliance and fuel details, including any manuals you have.
- Records of prior repairs, relining or appliance changes.
- Any transaction questions or deadlines, so the professional knows the timing.
03
What if a concern is found?
Turn a concern into a clearly documented next decision.
- Ask which component and finding support the recommendation, with photos if provided.
- Keep proposed repairs and exclusions separate from inspection scope.
- Confirm any separately qualified work and actual timing before making an agreement.
- A cleaning does not automatically resolve a report, and an inspection cannot guarantee every defect is found.