Is a chimney inspection required when selling a home in St. Louis?

Yes — most Missouri and Illinois home sales now require a Level II chimney inspection before closing. Buyers, sellers, and lenders all rely on the written report. AIO Pro provides documentation accepted by all St. Louis area real estate agents.

What does a Level II chimney inspection include?

A Level II inspection includes a full HD camera run from the firebox through the entire flue, inspection of all accessible areas, documentation of any cracks, blockages, or deterioration, and a written report with photographs. It's the only way to diagnose liner damage that is invisible to the naked eye.

Chimney Inspection St. Louis MO

Chimney Inspection
St. Louis, MO

Level I, II & III inspection by trained, insured technicians. HD camera inspection — NFPA 211 calls for one whenever a property changes hands. Written report delivered same day. Same-day appointments available.

HD Camera Inspection

CSIA & NCSG Member

Written Report Same Day

Accepted for Home Sales

1–2 Day Scheduling

The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection — What You Need and Why

NFPA 211 — the national standard for chimneys and fireplaces — defines three levels of chimney inspection. Understanding which level applies to your situation is the first step in protecting your home and investment.

Level I — Annual Visual Inspection

A Level I inspection covers all readily accessible portions of the chimney structure — the firebox, visible flue interior, exterior masonry, crown, and cap. It's appropriate when the chimney has been used without problems in a normal way and with no changes made to the system. AIO Pro includes a free Level I inspection with every chimney sweep ($199).

Level II — HD Camera Inspection (Required for Home Sales)

A Level II inspection is required by NFPA 211 when: a home is being sold or transferred, a new appliance is being installed or connected to the system, or after any event that may have damaged the chimney (storm, earthquake, chimney fire). It includes everything in a Level I plus a full HD video scan of the complete flue interior.

Most home sales in St. Louis County and surrounding municipalities now require a Level II inspection before closing. Our written report with photos is accepted by all local real estate agents, home inspectors, and lenders. Cost: $199–$299.

📋 Real estate note: An uninspected chimney can kill a home sale at closing. AIO Pro can typically schedule within 1–2 business days and deliver the written report the same day as the inspection — keeping your transaction on timeline.

Level III — Invasive Structural Inspection

A Level III inspection is required when a Level I or II has identified conditions requiring further investigation that can't be assessed without accessing concealed portions of the chimney. This may involve removing components, opening walls, or accessing the attic. Pricing depends on scope — call for details.

What a Level II Camera Inspection Reveals

Liner cracks invisible to naked eye

Mortar joint deterioration in flue

Blockages from debris or animals

Creosote staging — fire risk level

Water damage inside the liner

Missing mortar at crown or smoke shelf

Related services: If inspection reveals liner damage, see our chimney liner replacement service. Water damage found during inspection? See chimney leak repair. Firebox damage? See fireplace repair St. Louis. All services →

Level I: $49 new customers • Level II: $199–$299

Call (314) 379-2871 View All Services

Chimney Inspection St. Louis — FAQ

How much does a chimney inspection cost in St. Louis?

Level I inspection is $49 for new customers (free with chimney sweep). Level II camera inspection is $199–$299 — NFPA 211 calls for one on sale or transfer, and most municipalities, buyers and lenders ask for it in St. Louis County. Level III inspection is priced by scope. All prices include a written report with photographs.

Do I need a Level II inspection to sell my home in St. Louis?

NFPA 211 — the national standard for chimneys — calls for a Level II inspection whenever a property is sold or transferred. It is not a Missouri or Illinois state law, but most St. Louis-area municipalities, buyers, lenders and home inspectors ask for one, and sellers who skip it often face last-minute renegotiations when the buyer's inspector flags the chimney. Our written report with photos is accepted by local agents and lenders.

Signs of chimney damage in Missouri homes — what should I look for?

Watch for: white staining (efflorescence) on exterior brick, crumbling mortar, ceiling stains near the chimney, smoke entering the room, a smell from the fireplace when not in use, visible rust on the damper or firebox, and water in the firebox after rain. However, the most dangerous damage — liner cracks, hidden water infiltration — is only visible via Level II camera inspection.

Emergency chimney services near me — how quickly can you inspect?

We typically schedule St. Louis area inspections within 1–2 business days. For CO concerns or active smoke issues, call (314) 379-2871 for same-day prioritization. We're open Sunday through Friday, 7am–6pm.