Fire safety begins with a properly inspected chimney. At GMT Home Services, our certified chimney technicians and CSIA-certified chimney inspectors follow industry-leading standards to ensure your chimney system is safe, efficient, and in continued service under the same conditions.
With over 12 years of experience and thousands of inspections completed, we’re proud members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild—trusted for thorough inspections, honest reporting, and long-lasting results.
Homeowners often ask, “What does a Level 1 chimney inspection include?”A Level 1 inspection is the minimum requirement for chimneys in regular use with the same appliance, same fuel type, and same conditions as before. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, this basic visual check confirms your chimney is safe for continued use.
This process ensures proper clearances, addresses basic appliance installation, and helps prevent serious hazards like carbon monoxide leaks and building fires.
When you schedule your chimney inspection Level 1, our certified chimney sweep conducts a visual inspection of all accessible locations without the need to access concealed areas or use demolition equipment.
Here’s what the inspection includes:
Chimney Structure & Exterior – We check for cracks, weather damage, loose mortar, and water intrusion. This includes a full look at the chimney crown, chimney cap, and flashing.
Interior Surfaces & Flue Liners – Our inspection includes visible internal surfaces and accessible interior areas, checking for deterioration or blockage.
Combustible Deposits – We identify creosote buildup and debris that could lead to a chimney fire.
Appliance Connection – The basic appliance installation and chimney connection are checked for safety.
Accessible Portions – While we don’t open doors to concealed areas, we review all permanently attached portions of the system for integrity.
Our certified chimney technician may use specialty tools and lighting equipment to gain access to crawl spaces or accessible interior sections.
It’s important to know the difference between inspection levels:
A basic cleaning and visual inspection of accessible portions. Best for chimneys under the same conditions and continued service with no recent operation malfunction or external event.
A more in-depth inspection using video scanning tools to check concealed portions of the chimney. Required after changes in fuel type, appliance installation, weather events, seismic events, or when buying/selling a home.
A thorough inspection requiring demolition equipment to access concealed areas when serious hazards or structural damage are suspected. Unsure which level you need? Our certified chimney inspectors will guide you.
Many homeowners search for “Level 1 chimney inspection cost” or “chimney inspection Level 1 cost”. The truth is, the price depends on your chimney structure, building structure, and chimney system condition.
At GMT Home Services, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our rates are competitive, and regular inspections cost far less than repairs from chimney fires or structural damage.
Skipping inspections can expose your home to serious hazards:
Chimney Fire Prevention – Creosote buildup and combustible deposits are leading causes of chimney fires.
Carbon Monoxide Protection – Blocked flue liners or damaged chimney connections can cause carbon monoxide to leak indoors.
Structural Protection – Regular inspections prevent moisture intrusion and structural damage to your chimney and building structure.
Insurance Compliance – Many insurance companies require current inspection records.
Regular inspections by a certified chimney sweep are essential for safe operation and long-term performance.
“Don’t wait for a chimney fire to strike. Our Connecticut chimney inspectors are on call and ready to serve your area. Book online or call (888) 963-5749 for same-week appointments.”
At GMT Home Services, our chimney inspectors are CSIA-certified and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, ensuring every inspection follows national chimney safety standards.
We have completed 2,781+ chimney projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, giving us unmatched experience in inspecting chimneys, performing chimney cleaning, and identifying hidden hazards.
Our team uses special tools when necessary to gain access to accessible interior areas, ensuring a thorough inspection without invasive demolition unless absolutely required.
“Serving families across Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and all of CT, GMT Home Services is your trusted local chimney sweep. Schedule your chimney inspection near you now for guaranteed peace of mind.”
Peace of Mind Starts with GMT – Certified, Trusted, and Committed to Chimney Safety.
Book a Level 1 inspection if you:
“Keep your home safe this winter—book your Level 1 chimney inspection in Connecticut today. Call (888) 963-5749 and let our CSIA-certified chimney technicians protect your family.”
When GMT’s chimney technicians conduct your inspection, we review:
Chimney exterior – mortar, crown, cap, flashing.
Chimney structure – cracks, deterioration, structural damage.
Flue liners & internal surfaces – check for cracks, gaps, creosote buildup.
Firebox & damper – operation and seal integrity.
Smoke chamber – clear of debris and combustible deposits.
Venting system – ensure safe airflow and proper clearances.
Safety devices – confirm smoke and CO detectors are functional.
This thorough inspection ensures your system is safe for continued service.
The Safety Institute of America and CSIA both recommend annual inspections as a minimum requirement for chimney safety.
Don’t wait until a chimney fire or structural failure puts your home and family at risk. A Level 1 chimney inspection is a simple step that protects your home, ensures fire safety, and saves money in the long run.
A typical Level 1 chimney inspection takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of your chimney system and the condition of your fireplace. Since it’s a visual inspection of accessible portions, it’s the fastest inspection level and usually does not require special tools or demolition equipment.
A Level 1 chimney inspection itself does not include a full chimney cleaning, but if your inspector finds creosote buildup, combustible deposits, or obstructions, they may recommend a sweep. Often, homeowners schedule both inspection and chimney cleaning at the same time for convenience.
The Level 1 chimney inspection cost varies based on your location, chimney structure, and whether additional services (like cleaning) are needed. At GMT Home Services, we provide transparent pricing—most inspections are affordable and cost far less than repairing damage caused by a chimney fire.
Level 1: A basic visual check of accessible portions of the chimney, flue liners, and chimney connection. Best for systems under the same conditions and same appliance use.
Level 2: A more in-depth inspection that uses video scanning to access concealed areas, crawl spaces, and interior chimney walls. Required after fuel type changes, operation malfunctions, seismic events, or weather events.
For serious hazards, a Level 3 chimney inspection may be necessary.
Only a certified chimney sweep or CSIA-certified chimney technician should perform inspections. The National Chimney Sweep Guild and Chimney Safety Institute of America both provide certification and training to ensure inspections follow national chimney safety standards. GMT Home Services proudly employs certified chimney inspectors to give you reliable results.
The Safety Institute of America and CSIA recommend annual inspections as the minimum requirement for fire safety. You should also schedule an inspection after:
Long periods of fireplace inactivity.
An operation malfunction or external event like storms or seismic events.
Visible damage to the chimney exterior or chimney structure.
