--- title: "All You Need to Know Before Buying a House With a Chimney" description: "Understanding chimney mechanics and fire safety protocols can help you evaluate whether a home with a fireplace is worth it." date: "2026-08-31" modified: "2026-08-31" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/interior/buying-a-house-with-a-chimney/" categories: - "DIY" - "Fireplaces & Chimneys" - "Heating & Cooling" - "Interior" - "Repair & Maintenance" --- # All You Need to Know Before Buying a House With a Chimney ![House with chimney that has a For Sale sign in the front yard]() *Photo: rSnapshotPhotos via Shutterstock* If you love relaxing around a warm, cozy fireplace during the chilly months, then you are probably looking for a house with a chimney. However, what appears as a charming architectural detail on a walk-through can quickly turn into a costly headache if the underlying structure is compromised. Standard home inspections often miss hidden structural defects, flue blockages, or creosote buildup in fireplaces and chimneys, so it’s imperative to do some investigating before signing on the dotted line. Understanding basic chimney mechanics and fire safety protocols, and scheduling a [specialized inspection]() can help you evaluate whether a home’s fireplace will remain a cherished feature instead of an unexpected money pit. ## Plan to pay for an inspection. First and foremost, before purchasing a home with a chimney, hire a licensed chimney cleaning company to inspect it, says Tyler Mainka from [Best Burn Firewood]() in New Berlin, Wisconsin. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America requires this extra inspection for the safety of residents, since a regular home inspection won’t suffice. “These inspections can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 (or more depending on your area), which is still a lot cheaper than what a chimney fire will cost you,” says Mainka. During a chimney inspection, a pro will inspect the roof, chimney structure, firebox, flue lining, and damper to look for structural damage like cracks in bricks or flue liners; moisture and mold; [blockages and debris](); carbon monoxide leaks; and signs of creosote buildup, water damage, and previous fires. They will also make sure that the chimney was constructed properly and is up to code. “More than once, I've seen buyers skip these inspections, and they ended up with a new home that contained a flue with deteriorating tiles and/or a chimney requiring a complete rebuild in less than a year,” notes Steve Jafari, managing partner at [Restoration Doctor]() in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Once the inspection is complete, review the report thoroughly and negotiate any necessary repairs with the current property owner. ![Chimney sweep cleaning a chimney standing on the house roof, lowering equipment down the flue]() *Photo: Gabor Tinz via Shutterstock* ## Find out what type of wood the previous owner used. The flue within the chimney is basically a record of what the last homeowner burned in it, and how often the [fireplace was cleaned]() and inspected, so ask what type of wood the previous owners burned and how often, suggests Mainka. If the current homeowners say they rarely used the fireplace, that most likely means the chimney had minimal use overall and isn’t damaged. On the other hand, if they were actively burning firewood every week, ask them where they purchased the wood. “If the wood was from trees they chopped down and let sit in their backyard, there is a good chance that it was wet and dirty wood,” explains Mainka. Burning wet firewood can cause issues. “All that moisture gets cooked out when the log is on fire, and that moisture goes up in the air as [steam and smoke]() and creates much more creosote,” says Mainka. Creosote is the black, tar-like substance that sticks to the walls inside a chimney and eventually clogs the flue, restricts airflow, and traps intense heat and unburned gases. The flue itself can then get hot enough to ignite the buildup during a regular fire. “Overall, the absolute safest thing you can do for your chimney is [burn dry hardwood](),” says Mainka. ## Check for creosote buildup. Regardless of the wood type burned, creosote eventually builds up inside a chimney and poses a serious fire hazard since it is highly flammable. If a fire starts, it can crack the flue and cause the fire to spread throughout the rest of the home. “Creosote buildup can easily be missed, since it is typically not visible,” warns Jafari. “If the fireplace is used on a regular basis, it is important to arrange for chimney sweeping on an annual basis. If not, creosote can build up in the flue and can lead to a chimney fire.” Try to find out the history of creosote buildup and [chimney cleaning]() or inspections completed for the home. ## Invest in fire safety precautions. Another consideration when you are buying a home with a chimney is that you will need to invest in some safety provisions. This includes installing smoke detectors throughout the home and placing carbon monoxide alarms near the fireplace and in bedrooms, along with purchasing a fire extinguisher in case a fire breaks out. It’s also a commitment to start a fire in the fireplace; you need to keep a close eye on it and not walk away. You’ll also need to check that the flue is open while the fire is lit and that the chimney is properly vented. ![Person holding a fire extinguisher in front of a fireplace.]() *Photo: Juraj Kral via Shutterstock* ## Check for any water damage. While most people are concerned with fire hazards, water damage is often overlooked as something to watch for when owning a [house with a fireplace]() and chimney. “When chimney restoration becomes necessary, the most common damage I see is from water, not fire,” notes Jafari. “An unsealed or damaged chimney cap allows rain to enter the chimney, which then accelerates the deterioration of the chimney and the damper.” It can also cause moisture to enter the roof and ceiling in the surrounding areas. When considering the purchase of a home, don’t forget to ask when the chimney cap and crown were last replaced. Also, examine around the fireplace to look for any water spots or discoloration where water might be trickling in. ## Consider the cleaning and maintenance involved. Owning a home with a chimney also means there will be additional costs and time required to keep it clean and in working order, including tasks to get your [fireplace ready for each winter]() season. “It's not a plug it in and walk away feature, and there are costs beyond purchasing,” notes Jafari. “You have to get it cleaned annually, and the cap/crown and some of the masonry work will have to be addressed as well.” Budget about $300 per year for a [professional chimney sweep](). ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()