01
What makes a useful chimney record?
Ask for a written record that names the property, the appliance and the reason for the visit. Then check that it describes the work in enough detail to be useful later.
Do not assume every service includes the same report. Ask the responsible professional which documents you will receive before the work begins.
- The date, property address and the appliance or fireplace type that was serviced.
- The cleaning or inspection scope and level, so you know what was actually reviewed.
- The areas reviewed, the areas that could not be accessed, and any limits the professional noted.
- Findings, photos and recommendations, if they were included in the service.
02
When should you share prior records?
Share earlier reports whenever a new professional needs to know what has already been found. Past records help them decide what to check first.
- Share them for a future service, so the next visit starts from known conditions rather than guesses.
- Share them during a home sale, so buyers and their professionals can see the documented history.
- Share them before an appliance change or follow-up repair, since older findings may affect the new scope.
- Do not rely on an old clean receipt as proof of current suitability. Conditions change, and a past clean visit does not replace a post-fire evaluation.