# Chimney Inspection Levels 1, 2 & 3 Explained > What Level 1, 2, and 3 chimney inspections cover, when each is required, and how the video scan fits in — a clear homeowner guide. URL: https://westhartfordchimneyrepair.com/guide/chimney-inspection-levels-explained/ Last-Modified: 2026-07-01 comparison guide # Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 Chimney Inspections Explained What Level 1, 2, and 3 chimney inspections cover, when each is required, and how the video scan fits in. A clear homeowner guide. ![Technician reviewing chimney video scan footage beside a brick fireplace](/images/featured/technician-reviewing-chimney-video-scan-footage-on.webp) **NFPA 211** — the professional standard for chimney inspection — defines three inspection levels. Each covers different components and answers a different question. Here’s exactly what each includes and which one you need. ## Level 1: The Baseline Visual **What it covers:** All readily accessible portions of the chimney — the interior firebox, the exterior at ground level, the accessible portions of the flue. No tools required beyond a flashlight and mirror. **What it answers:** Is the chimney safe for continued use under the same conditions and with the same appliance? **Included in every routine sweep.** If you book an annual sweep, you’re getting a Level 1 as part of the visit. **When it’s enough:** Same appliance, no changes, no known issues, no fire event, and you’re not buying or selling. ## Level 2: The Video Scan **What it covers:** Everything in a Level 1, plus: - Interior video scan of the entire flue - Accessible portions of the chimney above the roof - Attic, basement, and crawl space passages of the chimney - Building materials adjacent to the chimney **What it answers:** Is the chimney safe under new or changed conditions, and what does the internal flue actually look like? ![Split view of a simple visual chimney check versus a camera scan inside a flue](/images/misc/split-view-of-simple-visual-chimney-check-versus-c.webp) **When it’s required (per NFPA 211):** - Real-estate transactions — buying or selling a home - After a chimney fire, lightning strike, or major weather event - After changing the appliance (oil to gas, new insert, etc.) - After a fuel type change - Whenever a Level 1 finds evidence needing closer inspection **Also smart to schedule:** Every few years even without a triggering event, especially on older or infrequently inspected chimneys. ## Level 3: The Diagnostic **What it covers:** Everything in Level 1 and 2, plus removal of building components (crown, cap, chimney chase walls) as needed to inspect concealed areas. **What it answers:** What’s happening in the parts we can’t see without opening things up? **When it’s required:** Only when Level 1 or 2 findings point to a hidden problem — collapsed liner section, structural damage inside a concealed chase, suspected fire damage in a place we can’t reach. Level 3 inspections are rare. Most homeowners will go their entire lives without needing one. When it is required, it’s usually part of a larger repair project rather than a standalone service. ## Video Scan Details The Level 2 video scan is where hidden problems surface. We lower a specialized inspection camera down the entire flue from the top, recording everything in real time. Findings caught by a scan that a Level 1 visual would miss: - Hairline cracks in clay tile flue liners - Missing or eroded mortar between tiles - Glazed creosote deposits high in the flue - Animal damage or nesting in the smoke chamber - Metal liner corrosion or joint separation - Debris fallen and lodged partway down ![Chimney inspection report with annotated damage photos](/images/misc/chimney-inspection-report-with-annotated-damage-ph.webp) ## What the Written Report Looks Like Every one of our Level 2 inspections comes with: - Pass/fail on each NFPA 211 checkpoint - Annotated photos of any findings - Recording of the video scan (available on request) - Recommendations categorized as “urgent,” “recommended,” or “optional” - Same-week turnaround for real-estate transactions ## Cost Ranges - **Level 1** (with sweep) — typically included, or nominal charge if standalone - **Level 2** — $250–$500 depending on chimney complexity (see our Level 2 cost guide [/guide/level-2-chimney-inspection-cost-ct/ →](/guide/level-2-chimney-inspection-cost-ct/) ) - **Level 3** — varies widely; usually estimated as part of repair scope ## Which Level Do You Need? - Annual maintenance, same appliance, no issues → **Level 1** (included in sweep) - Buying, selling, or refinancing a home → **Level 2** - After a chimney fire, storm damage, or appliance change → **Level 2** - Level 1 or 2 revealed something needing more investigation → **Level 3** Ready to book an inspection? See our full chimney inspection service [/chimney-inspections/ →](/chimney-inspections/) or contact us [/contact/ →](/contact/) directly. ## Common Questions ### What's the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection? + Level 1 is a basic visual check of accessible parts, included in every sweep. Level 2 adds an interior video scan and is required for real-estate transactions, post-fire, or when appliances change. ### When do I need a Level 2 inspection? + During a home sale, after a chimney fire or storm, after an appliance change, or whenever a Level 1 finds something that needs a closer look. ### What is a Level 3 inspection? + A deeper diagnostic that may require removing parts of the chimney (crown, cap, wall access) to reach hidden areas. Only recommended when Level 1 or 2 findings require it. ## Related Guides ### Chimney Safety and Carbon Monoxide: What Every Homeowner Should Know concern [Chimney Safety and Carbon Monoxide: What Every Homeowner Should Know →](/guide/chimney-carbon-monoxide-safety/) ### How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned and Inspected? frequency [How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned and Inspected? →](/guide/how-often-clean-and-inspect-your-chimney/) ### How to Spot and Avoid Chimney Sweep Scams in Connecticut concern [How to Spot and Avoid Chimney Sweep Scams in Connecticut →](/guide/how-to-avoid-chimney-sweep-scams-in-connecticut/) ### The 3 Stages of Creosote Buildup Explained definition [The 3 Stages of Creosote Buildup Explained →](/guide/stages-of-creosote-buildup-explained/) ## Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a sweep, schedule an inspection, or ask us a chimney question. We reply within one business day. Schedule Now [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (860) 305-5234 [tel:+18603055234 →](tel:+18603055234)