New homeowner chimney inspection

Why do you need one?

You may think that your surveyor will pick up on problems with a stove, fireplace or gas fire when carrying out even the most in depth survey. However, they almost never carry out more than a very brief visual inspection.

The problem is, almost all parts of an installation are concealed, so most problems cannot be picked up unless a specific survey to the appliance is carried out. Even if there is a HETAS certificate of compliance, this doesn’t mean due to wear and tear the appliance isn’t dangerous and in need of repair. Also, very few people have knowledge of document J of the building regulations, which covers solid fuel installations.  Also you need to choose a company that owns copies of BS EN 8303, BS EN 15287 and BS EN 1443.  These documents are very expensive, and very few businesses invest in them and therefore don’t actually understand the intricacies of the documents. 

 Surveyors usually don’t even pick up on the most basic problems with installations; distances to combustibles, hearth sizing, ventilation, and even whether the stove is approved for use in geographical area the house is in.  Even issues such as is the draught on your chimney in the recommended range specified by the manufacturer of your logburner? To ascertain that we use a device seen in the following image – a manometer.

How can it save you money as a buyer?

Not only will we assess the condition and compliance of your installation, we will list the remedial work required and also can quote to carry the work out.    This means the quotation can be put forward to the vendors and used in negotiations.  The price starts at £200 for the New homeowner/Buyer inspection.    This is far less than the average saving we make to a buyer.  

How Much Does It Cost?

If you’re a new owner, as well as inspecting the installation we will show you how to use your appliance, whether it’s an open fire, gas fire or wood burning stove.    We will highlight any issues relating to the installation and help you on your way to carrying out remedial work, or if it is simply a matter of poor efficiency explaining how you can overcome that so your appliance is as environmentally friendly as possible.  

What Problems do you often find?

We find incorrectly sized liners, broken cowls, cracked chimney stacks incorrectly installed stoves, timber surrounds that are a fire risk, blocked air vents, chimneys housing bees or birds, damp issues and much more.  

What does it consist of?

•  Check audit trail – certificate of compliance, data plates, previous service records
•  Inspect exterior from the ground or using an HD drone
•  Inspect appliance and installation for safety and compliance
•  Dismantle the appliance
•  Clean the chimney
•  Examine debris
•  Reassemble the appliance
• Type 2 smoke test to check evacuation
•  Check air ventilation, CO alarm and fuel
• Carry out chimney camera inspection
• Carry out Integrity test (extra charge and must be requested)
• Report findings in certificate 

Thanks for reading. If you would like a quote or to book us in, call 02088688606 or CLICK HERE!!