A standard, not a test with a grade
Pass along the findings
Share the findings with us and we will write a first-to-last path for them.
What NFPA 211 is
It is written for chimneys, fireplaces and vents. The text sets out the inspection levels, and it says when each is wanted.
What it is not
It is not a government exam. No office stamps your chimney with a pass or a fail. People say a chimney failed when the Level 2 report lists conditions that do not match NFPA 211 or the local building code, and the fireplace should not be used until they are repaired.
A buyer can respond with a request for repairs, a credit or a re-inspection. We have no part in that and offer no contract advice.
The repair list, brick first
On a masonry chimney the findings may point to the crown, the mortar and masonry, the smoke chamber or the firebox. Other findings point to a cap, a leak, a cricket with flashing, a flue liner, a chase cover, a damper or a gas insert.
Five have prices from us. The brick and mortar items depend on what the work involves, so we quote them after a look.
- Chimney cap: $170 to $680
- Leak repair comes to $570 to $3,400
- Cricket comes to $455 to $1,025
- Cricket with a full flashing replacement comes to $680 to $1,700
- Gas insert: $2,850 to $5,700
The written path
Your report ranks the findings. The first item is the one to fix before the fireplace is used. The last is the one that can wait. That order is what you take to a contractor, or to the other side of a sale.
Set prices for five fixes
These ranges are for the repairs we can price ahead of a visit.
- Gas insert supplied and fitted
- $2,850 to $5,700
- Installed cricket
- $455 to $1,025
- Chimney cap, installed
- $170 to $680
- Cricket plus all new flashing
- $680 to $1,700
- Fixing a leak
- $570 to $3,400
Brickwork, mortar, crown, liner, damper, chase cover, smoke chamber and firebox repairs get a quote after the inspection is finished.
About the standard
Who grades a chimney against NFPA 211?
Nobody issues a grade. The report notes conditions that sit below the standard or local code.
What may a buyer ask for?
Repairs, a credit or a re-inspection. The buyer, seller and their agents settle that among themselves.
Do you price masonry work?
Yes, after the inspection, because the scope depends on the brick and the mortar.
Tell us the findings, get the path
We read the findings, put them in order, and tell you which ones have a price here.
Call (818) 671-0728