Inspections in New Hampshire & Southern Maine
J.S. Kelley Chimney Inspections is a Certified Chimney Inspector. We are the only chimney inspector on the Seacoast that is not affiliated with a chimney service or repair company. The report you receive is not an estimate as many chimney inspectors provide, but rather a thorough unbiased examination of your heating and venting system. J.S. Kelley has developed an inspection report that can be and has been used by many chimney service companies to provide estimates for repair or replacement.
Why do I need a Chimney Inspection?
Chimneys are often overlooked and can be costly to repair. Your chimney functions as the lungs of your home protecting you by expelling caustic exhaust and allowing your heating appliances to operate fully and efficiently.
Many people may not realize that chimneys are not fully inspected during a home inspection. A home inspection only covers the portions of a chimney that are readily accessible. Chimney inspections that include video scanning the inside portions of a chimney require a certified chimney inspector and are outside the scope of a home inspection.
Are there different kinds Chimney Inspections?
Yes! There are three levels of Chimney Inspections:
Level 1 – Has your appliance and heating system remained unchanged? Do you plan to continue to use your heating and venting system in the same manner as it has been used in the past? A level 1 inspection may be appropriate for your needs.
Level 2 – The Level 2 Chimney Inspection is required when a home is transferring ownership, when an appliance is to be replaced or added and when an incident such as a chimney fire or lightning strike has occurred. A level 2 Chimney inspection includes a video scan of the lining or lack thereof inside your chimney.
Level 3 – When it is suspected that areas of the chimney that are otherwise hidden from view or are obstructed a Level 3 Chimney inspection may be required.
Are there different kinds Chimney Inspections?
Yes! There are three levels of Chimney Inspections:
Level 1 – Has your appliance and heating system remained unchanged? Do you plan to continue to use your heating and venting system in the same manner as it has been used in the past? A level 1 inspection may be appropriate for your needs.
Level 2 – The Level 2 Chimney Inspection is required when a home is transferring ownership, when an appliance is to be replaced or added and when an incident such as a chimney fire or lightning strike has occurred. A level 2 Chimney inspection includes a video scan of the lining or lack thereof inside your chimney.
Level 3 – When it is suspected that areas of the chimney that are otherwise hidden from view or are obstructed a Level 3 Chimney inspection may be required.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
In a Level 1 inspection, your certified inspector will examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance, and the chimney connection. The inspector will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. This level of inspection will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. Level 1 Chimney Inspections generally require only basic hand tools to complete the inspection. Home inspectors typically do less than a Level 1 inspection as part of a home inspection.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 Chimney Inspection includes everything in a Level 1 Chimney Inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. This level of chimney inspection will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. To perform this level of inspection a certified inspector will require the use of specialized tools. This level of inspection includes a video inspection of the interior of the chimney.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 Chimney Inspection includes everything in a Level 1 Chimney Inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. This level of chimney inspection will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. To perform this level of inspection a certified inspector will require the use of specialized tools. This level of inspection includes a video inspection of the interior of the chimney.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
During a Level 3 Chimney Inspection, all the areas inspected during a Level 1 and a Level 2 Inspection are included. This level of inspection also includes the removal of certain components of the dwelling or chimney as needed. Chimney components that may require removal include but are not limited to Chase Covers, Chimney Crowns, and Chimney Walls. Areas of a dwelling that may require removal include but are not limited to Walls and Roofing Components.
Removal of components is required when through other levels of inspection, it is suspected that health and safety hazards exist in an inaccessible area.
At J.S. Kelley, my business is the inspection business.
I will never sell you on repairs to your system. My goal is to provide you with the facts of your chimney. I strive to educate my clients on the condition of their system, chimney safety and improvements. I also trouble shoot issues that are relevant to your venting system
I have constructed, preserved, and maintained chimneys and fireplaces throughout southern Maine and New Hampshire for over a decade. Now as an inspector it is my goal to provide my clients with knowledge they need to safely operate and maintain their heating and venting systems. My inspection and report utilize modern technology, the skills and knowledge of an experienced mason and chimney professional and the science of heating and venting. I will look forward to working with you to help educate you and fulfill your inspection needs. –Jed
At J.S. Kelley, my business is the inspection business.
I will never sell you on repairs to your system. My goal is to provide you with the facts of your chimney. I strive to educate my clients on the condition of their system, chimney safety and improvements. I also trouble shoot issues that are relevant to your venting system
I have constructed, preserved, and maintained chimneys and fireplaces throughout southern Maine and New Hampshire for over a decade. Now as an inspector it is my goal to provide my clients with knowledge they need to safely operate and maintain their heating and venting systems. My inspection and report utilize modern technology, the skills and knowledge of an experienced mason and chimney professional and the science of heating and venting. I will look forward to working with you to help educate you and fulfill your inspection needs. –Jed
Booking your Chimney Inspection is easy!
At J.S. Kelley Chimney Inspections we know how valuable your time is. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to book your Chimney Inspection with us. Simply click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button below, choose the type of inspection you are looking for, then pick a time on our calendar that works best for you. Feel free to reach out to us via email or phone with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Newmarket, NH • (603) 767-7465
Feel free to email me with any questions!