01
What decisions should happen in order?
The exact sequence depends on your system and what is found, but the decisions usually follow this order.
- Identify the appliance, fuel and recent history. Note what you burn, how often the system is used, and any past service report you have.
- Agree cleaning and inspection scope and access. Confirm whether one or both are appropriate and what each includes.
- Review the findings in writing. Ask what was seen, what could not be reached, and which items are recommendations rather than urgent problems.
- Compare any recommended repair separately, with its own scope, actual schedule and agreement.
02
What happens if more work is suggested?
Ask which finding supports the recommendation before you agree to anything. A good recommendation names the part of the chimney, the condition observed, and what it would mean if left alone.
- Ask what is included and excluded. A package title does not tell you whether access, cleanup or specific components are covered.
- Ask whether another trade or authority is needed. Confirm responsibility for any separately qualified roof, gas, electrical or structural work.
- Ask when any additional work would happen. Timing should be agreed in writing rather than assumed from the original visit.
03
What should you keep?
Keep the paperwork that shows what was agreed and what was found, because memory rarely captures the details of a visit.
A report describes what was reviewed on that day. It does not certify the whole home or guarantee future performance.
- The written scope of work, including which flue and appliance areas were covered.
- Any report or photos the professional included, along with the access limits they noted.
- The recommended next steps, with the reason each one was suggested.
- Any product, care or terms information you were given at the visit.