Not every chimney inspection is the same, and knowing the difference protects you from paying for more than you need — or settling for less than the situation calls for. The industry recognizes three inspection levels, each matched to a different circumstance. For homeowners in Crest Hill, understanding what separates a routine annual check from a deeper evaluation makes it easy to ask for the right service at the right time.
Level 1: the routine annual check
A Level 1 inspection is what most chimneys need each year. It applies when your system is in regular use, nothing about it has changed, and there are no known problems. During a Level 1 we visually examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney, flue, and connections, looking for soundness, creosote buildup, and any obstruction. It confirms the chimney is safe to use for another season and flags whether a cleaning is due. Think of it as the fireplace equivalent of a yearly physical.
Level 2: when something changes
A Level 2 inspection is required whenever the picture changes. That includes buying or selling a home, adding or replacing an appliance or liner, switching fuels, or evaluating the chimney after an event such as a chimney fire, a lightning strike, or a strong storm. A Level 2 includes everything in a Level 1 and adds a video scan of the flue’s interior, plus a look at accessible spaces like the attic, basement, or crawlspace. The camera is the key difference — it lets us see cracks, gaps, and damage inside the flue that a surface look would miss.
Level 3: for serious suspected hazards
A Level 3 inspection is the most involved and the least common. It is reserved for cases where a serious hazard is suspected but cannot be confirmed from the accessible areas alone. Reaching the concealed area may mean removing a section of the chimney crown, a wall, or other construction. Because it is invasive, a Level 3 is used only when the evidence points to a real, hidden risk that must be resolved before the chimney can be used safely.
For nearly all Crest Hill homeowners, the answer is a yearly chimney inspection at Level 1, stepping up to Level 2 around a sale or after an event. Not sure which one fits your situation? Explore our full range of chimney services or just ask. Call Indigo Chimney Sweep at (815) 296-9565 or book online. We are bonded and insured, and we tell you the price up front. We will recommend the right level for your chimney — never more than you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Level 1 chimney inspection?
A Level 1 inspection is the standard annual check for a chimney in regular use with no changes or known problems. The sweep visually examines the readily accessible parts of the chimney and flue for soundness, buildup, and obstruction. It is what most homeowners need each year before burning season.
When do I need a Level 2 inspection?
A Level 2 inspection is called for when something has changed or is being evaluated: a home sale or purchase, a new appliance or liner, a change of fuel, or after an event like a chimney fire or storm. It adds a video scan of the flue interior and a look at accessible attic and crawlspace areas.
What is a Level 3 inspection?
A Level 3 inspection is the most thorough and is reserved for serious suspected hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise. It may require removing parts of the chimney or building — such as a portion of the wall or the chimney crown — to reach concealed areas. It is used when a real risk is suspected.
Which level do I need for a home sale?
A property transfer generally calls for a Level 2 inspection. Ownership is changing and the chimney’s history is unknown, so the standard goes beyond a visual check to include a camera scan of the flue. It gives the buyer and seller a documented picture of the chimney’s condition.
Does a Level 1 inspection include a camera scan?
Not by default. A Level 1 is a visual examination of accessible surfaces. The internal video scan is part of a Level 2, which is why events like a chimney fire or a home sale bump the inspection up a level — the flue interior needs to be seen, not just the reachable surfaces.
How often should I have any inspection at all?
Industry guidance calls for a chimney inspection every year, regardless of how much you burn. Even a rarely used chimney can develop blockages from animals or debris, mortar decay, or moisture damage. The annual check is a Level 1 unless a change or event calls for more.
Can an inspection happen without a cleaning?
Yes, they are distinct services. An inspection evaluates condition and safety; a sweeping removes soot and creosote. In practice they are usually scheduled together, because the inspection often shows that a cleaning is due and a clean flue is easier to examine accurately.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
We walk you through exactly what we found, show you the evidence where possible, and explain your options and what each will cost before any further work. There is no obligation to do repairs on the spot, and you get the price up front so you can decide with full information.
Written by Jamie Reed, operations manager at Indigo Chimney Sweep.
Published September 13, 2026