Short answerOften, yes. A home inspector looks at what is visible, but the inside of the flue usually needs a chimney professional's camera inspection. Common findings are deteriorated mortar, cracked crowns, missing caps, flashing leaks, creosote, and damaged liners. Repointing is a moderate repair; liner and rebuild work costs more.
What do inspectors check?
The chimney exterior, crown, cap, flashing, firebox, and damper, as far as visible.
What are the common findings?
- Deteriorated mortar joints.
- Cracked crown or missing cap.
- Flashing leaks.
- Creosote buildup.
- Liner damage.
How serious is it?
Mortar and caps are moderate. Liner damage and venting issues can be safety concerns.
What does it cost to fix?
| Item | Planning estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney mortar repointing | About $1,200 to $1,350 on recent jobs | W |
| Chimney liner installation | About $1,800 to $4,000 | P |
Planning estimates, not bids. Local contractors may price differently.
When is a specialist needed?
Any wood burning fireplace you plan to use, any liner concerns, and any furnace or water heater venting into the chimney.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chimney inspection part of a home inspection?
Only the visible parts. A chimney professional inspects the flue.
Can I use the fireplace right away?
Have it inspected and cleaned first.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- Wardmark Property Operations pricing, June to September 2026
- Fixr, chimney liner installation cost (national)
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.