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There are very few people that dislike a fireplace. In the "olden" days, a fireplace provided dinner, warmth and a spot for the family to gather. And even today, with more computers and televisions in the house than people, fireplaces still command a special place in our hearts. For certified home inspectors, this means they better know their way around the hearth.
A home inspection training course will teach you many things about inspecting the fireplace, but the first item on any checklist is the damper. Make sure it opens and closes effectively. You then want to inspect the hearth extension to see if it's large enough to collect embers that may pop from the fire.
A certified home inspector's report will also note any creosote buildup in the firebox, visible smoke, as well as the integrity of the lintel (the stone/brick beam perched across the top of the fireplace). According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a licensed home inspector isn't required, however, to:
- examine the flue or vent system
- inspect the interior of chimneys, fire doors, screens, seals or gaskets
- determine the need for a chimney sweep
- move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents
It's also important to keep in mind that you may even encounter a wood burning stove occupying the fireplace. A wood stove is an important heating source for many homes in rural areas, but keep in mind that many of them are installed by owners who have no house inspector training. Make sure the clearance between the stove and surrounding materials is regulation.
In the end, no matter how cozy it is by the fireplace, you've got to move onto the other parts of the house. A home inspection career will train you to be at ease inspecting each part of the house, from the basement all the way up to the roof.
Labels: Certified home inspectors, home inspection training, home inspector's report, inspecting the fireplace, Licensed Home Inspectors
