"The inspection report is a reasonable effort to assess durability and serviceability of the property in its present state," says Betty Buckley, a licensed home inspector in Oregon. 'The inspection is not meant to be technically exhaustive but should be thorough enough to recommend further evaluation by licensed trades persons for apparent areas of concern that fall beyond the scope of a home inspection."

The various standards of practice generally require home inspectors to inspect readily accessible areas that are exposed to view. Inspectors are not required to climb on top of chimneys or take off chimney caps. In fact ASHI Standard 9.3.D.1 specifically says, "The inspector is NOT required to observe the interior of flues."

This sometimes comes as surprise to chimney sweeps and homeowners. In some situations it would seem very easy to look into the flue. (Where the deterioration or lack of a flue liner, for example, might be obvious.)

Bob Priesing, a certified sweep in North Carolina who also holds a state home inspector's license says, "If the inspector conducted the inspection in accordance with standards of practice by which he or she operates, and if flues or chimney interiors are excluded by those standards, then the inspection was in fact complete."

Many home inspectors will recommend in writing that the chimney be cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. "If the customer doesn't do that, they have no cause to complain about the home inspector," Priesing says.

Some home inspectors are not well- versed in chimneys and venting systems. Relatively few home inspectors come into the business after working as chimney sweeps or venting contractors.

Priesing is among a number of chimney sweeps across North America who give presentations to home inspector groups in an effort to help them understand what they are looking at when they observe chimneys, and to familiarize them with the capabilities of competent chimney sweeps.

Fully equipped modem chimney sweeps often carry video scanning equipment that can show the condition of the inside of your flues and directly pinpoint problems. A competent chimney professional will also be able to inform you of building codes and product listings that are applicable to your situation.

When preparing to buy or sell a home with a combustion appliance, be it a furnace, fireplace or woodstove, it is advisable to obtain a detailed inspection of the chimney and venting systems. The standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommend that chimneys be inspected after any operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney; upon replacement of appliances; and whenever verification of the suitability of the chimney for continued service is needed.