New Homeowner Chimney Inspection
New Homeowner Chimney Inspection in London, Hertfordshire & Essex
You've just picked up the keys and the property has a fireplace. Maybe you're planning to use it. Maybe you just want to know what state it's in. Either way, it's worth getting it checked, because home buyer surveys don't inspect chimneys, and whatever the previous owners told you about the fireplace, there's no way of knowing what's inside the flue without putting a camera in there.
Even if they were using the fire regularly, that doesn't mean everything is safe. We've found chimneys where the flat above had removed the chimney breast entirely, blocking the flues for the floor below. We've found pipework threaded through chimney breasts and electrical cables routed through the stack during loft conversions. These aren't scare stories. They're things we see on real inspections, in normal homes, regularly.
SweepSmart carries out new homeowner chimney inspections across London, Hertfordshire and Essex. We're members of the Guild of Master Sweeps, a Which? Trusted Trader, and we've completed over 4,000 chimney jobs this year alone. We'll tell you exactly what you've got and how to use it safely.
What's Included in a New Homeowner Chimney Inspection?
- Full visual inspection of the pot, stack, hearth, ventilation, fireplace or stove fitting, and lintel
- Fireplace area covered with protective dust sheets (we provide these)
- Chimney swept and inspected in accordance with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps' code of practice
- CCTV chimney inspection
- Smoke and CO alarm check, confirming they're present and correctly positioned
- Smoke Test 2 (Evacuation Test)
- A Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps insurance certificate (if the appliance and flue are safe to use)
- A detailed digital report (if remedial work is required)
- Demonstration on how to use the fire
- Bespoke advice on fuels and best practice
- Allow approximately 75 minutes per flue
How Is This Different From a Standard Chimney Sweep?
A sweep is a cleaning service for chimneys you're already using with no issues. When you've just moved in, you don't know the history. You don't know what's been done to the chimney during previous renovations, whether it's been maintained, or whether it's safe to light. That's why a proper inspection, with a camera, a smoke test, and a detailed report, is the right starting point.
We'll also walk you through how to use the fireplace properly, what fuels to use, and what to look out for going forward. It's not just about checking the chimney. It's about making sure you're set up to use it safely and confidently from day one.
FAQs
Should I get my chimney inspected when I move into a new house?
Yes — especially if the property has a fireplace you want to use. Home buyer surveys don't check chimneys. Even if the previous owners were using the fire, that doesn't mean everything is safe. We've found chimneys where flats above have removed the chimney breast entirely, fireplaces sealed with expanding foam, and all sorts of hidden issues that wouldn't show up without a camera inside the flue.
Will you show me how to use the fireplace?
Yes. The new homeowner inspection includes a demonstration on how to use the fire safely and bespoke advice on the right fuels and best practice for your specific setup. It's not just about checking the chimney — it's about making sure you know how to use it properly from day one.
What if the chimney isn't safe to use?
You'll receive a full report detailing the issues and recommendations. We'll explain what needs doing and what your options are. If it's a straightforward fix, we may be able to handle it. If it needs specialist work, the report gives you everything you need to get quotes.
The previous owner said the chimney is fine — do I still need an inspection?
We'd recommend one. There's no way to know what's inside the flue without putting a camera in there. Previous owners may have used the fire for years without knowing about a crack, a partial blockage, or deterioration that could be dangerous. An inspection takes the guesswork out of it.
How long does the inspection take?
Approximately 75 minutes per flue. This includes the sweep, camera inspection, smoke test, alarm checks, and the demonstration and advice at the end.
Is this inspection worth doing even if I don't plan to use the fireplace?
It's still worth knowing the condition of the chimney, particularly if disused flues haven't been properly capped — uncapped flues cause heat loss, damp, and can attract birds. We can advise on whether to cap it or leave it.
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We cover most of London, Hertfordshire and Essex. The first part of your postcode is enough.