Chimney Inspection Seattle, WA
A chimney inspection in Seattle covers the flue, liner, firebox, smoke chamber, damper, crown, and cap — and we serve every Seattle neighborhood from Queen Anne Craftsmans to Capitol Hill condos. Level 1 and Level 2 inspections with written reports and camera scans where applicable. Same-week scheduling available.
NCSG Member
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Inspection Levels
- Level 1 — visual accessible areas
- Level 2 — full camera video scan
- Required for home sale / purchase
- Insurance claim documentation
- Written report on every inspection
- Inspection fee applied to service
Current Promotions
Mention the offer when booking. Call to ask about current specials.
Inspection Fee Waived
When You Book Service
We charge a standard inspection fee — but we waive it when you book a chimney sweep or repair service with us. No separate line-item if you move forward.
Chimney Sweep & Cleaning
Starts at $199
Includes Level 1 inspection. Already need cleaning? Book a sweep and the inspection comes with it — your $99 inspection fee is applied to the cleaning cost.
When Seattle Homes Need a Chimney Inspection
Seattle's mix of century-old Craftsmans, mid-century ranches, and newer construction means chimneys here vary widely in age, materials, and condition. Annual chimney inspections catch deterioration before it becomes expensive — particularly important for original clay tile liners in pre-1960 homes around Ballard, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and Beacon Hill. Level 2 inspections (with camera scans) are required during most home sales in King County and after any chimney event like a fire or earthquake. We provide written documentation for every inspection — needed for insurance, real estate transactions, or just peace of mind.
Inspection Levels Explained
NFPA 211 defines three inspection levels — most Seattle homes need Level 1 or Level 2
Standard Annual Inspection
A visual check of accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior, and accessible portions of connected appliances. Includes the firebox, smoke chamber, damper, visible flue interior, and exterior masonry — no special equipment or roof access required for the basic check.
When you need it: Annual routine maintenance, when no system changes have occurred and the chimney is in continued use.
Comprehensive Inspection
Includes everything in Level 1 plus accessible attics, basements, crawlspaces, and roof. Camera (video) scan of the full flue interior. Confirms structural integrity of the entire system.
When you need it: Home sale or purchase, after a chimney fire, after an earthquake or storm event, after a fuel change (e.g., adding a gas insert), or after any significant alteration to the system.
Intrusive Inspection
Performed when Level 1 or Level 2 inspection identifies a hazard that can't be confirmed through normal means. May involve removing components (e.g., chimney crown, interior walls, or chase covers) to access concealed areas.
When you need it: Only when an earlier inspection identifies a specific concealed concern. We recommend Level 3 only when truly necessary — and document why before any intrusive work begins.
Common Findings in Seattle Chimney Inspections
What we identify most often during inspections in Seattle homes
Clay tile liner cracking
Original clay tile liners in pre-1960 Seattle homes — Ballard, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Beacon Hill — show frequent cracking from decades of expansion and contraction. Our camera scan documents the condition.
Spalling brick and mortar joints
Seattle's freeze-thaw cycles damage exterior masonry. We document any deteriorated mortar, spalling brick faces, or crown cracking from accessible roof inspection.
Damper rust and seizure
Damp Puget Sound air and decades of wood smoke rust dampers solid in many older Seattle homes. We test damper operation and document any deterioration.
Cap missing or corroded
Missing or corroded caps allow moisture, debris, and animals into the flue. One of the most common findings in Seattle — and one of the most inexpensive to address.
Improper gas insert venting
Gas inserts retrofitted into original masonry fireboxes — common in Seattle homes — sometimes have venting that doesn't meet current code. We document any concerns.
Stage 3 glazed creosote
Heavy creosote buildup that hasn't been swept in years can reach Stage 3 (hard, glazed). We document creosote stage and recommend cleaning before continued use.
Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Genesis
Thorough Inspections, Written Reports, No Pressure
We've inspected chimneys across nearly every Seattle neighborhood — Queen Anne masonry systems, Capitol Hill gas inserts, West Seattle ranches, Ballard bungalows. We follow NFPA 211 standards, document everything in writing, and only recommend Level 3 or repairs when truly needed. If your system is in good shape, we'll tell you. No upsells.
“Genesis Home Services came out for a brief inspection before providing thorough advice and instructions. Professional, honest, and helpful — I wouldn't think twice about using this company again.”
Jake Hamilton — via Google
“I found Genesis through Angi and could not be happier. They came out the next day for a chimney inspection before we started using our fireplace for the season. Technician was thorough, honest, and didn't try to upsell anything unnecessary. Will be booking them every year.”
Patricia W. — via Angi
“Amazing work from Genesis! They got up on the roof and found several critical issues that needed fixing — handling everything from chimney work to sweeping. The whole team went above and beyond. Highly recommend!”
Max Boath — via Google
Chimney Inspection FAQ — Seattle
Questions we hear most from Seattle homeowners
Serving All Seattle Neighborhoods
Chimney inspections across Seattle and the broader King County area
Don't see your neighborhood? Call us — we serve all of Seattle and greater King County.
Related Services & Nearby Cities
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Full service details & what's included
Chimney Sweep — Seattle
Sweep includes Level 1 inspection
Chimney Masonry Repair — Seattle
Crown, flashing, tuckpointing
Gas Fireplace Repair — Seattle
Licensed WA gas technicians
Level 1 & Level 2 Inspections
What each inspection covers
All Service Areas
Full Puget Sound coverage
Schedule Your Seattle Chimney Inspection
Written report. NFPA 211 standards. Camera scans available. Serving all Seattle neighborhoods and surrounding King County.
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Last reviewed: May 2026