Chimney Inspection in Memphis (NFPA 211 Levels 1–3)
A chimney inspection is a written legal report on the flue and fireplace — the document used for sales, insurance, and code work. We have to sweep first so we can see inside. Sweeping is $200. A free repair estimate is different: that uses a drone on the exterior only.
Chimney Inspections & the Codes That Guide Them
NFPA 211 and the CSIA recommend a professional chimney inspection at least once a year. Madewell performs Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections and explains findings in plain English. To issue that report, we sweep the flue first — sweeping is $200. That is not the same as a free repair estimate, which includes 4K drone photos of the outside only.
- Written NFPA 211 Level 1, 2 and 3 reports
- Sweep first so the liner is clean enough to inspect ($200)
- Level 2 for sales, storms and system changes
- Level 3 when hidden hazards are suspected
- Video flue scanning when Level 2 requires it
The Three Inspection Levels
Level 1 — Standard annual
Readily accessible portions of the chimney, flue and connections for soundness, creosote and obstructions.
Level 2 — Sales, changes & events
Required before property transfer, after appliance changes, or after a chimney fire or major storm. Includes accessible attics/crawl spaces and a video flue scan.
Level 3 — Hidden hazards
When Level 1 or 2 finds a concern that needs opening concealed areas to investigate.
Sweep first, then the inspection report
The inspection is a written legal report. We cannot issue an honest one on a dirty flue. Creosote, soot and debris hide cracks, liner damage and blockages. Sweeping is $200 and comes first. After the flue is clean, we inspect and issue the report. A free repair estimate is a different visit: we fly a 4K drone around the exterior (crown, cap, flashing and upper brick) so you can see outside damage before any masonry work. The drone does not replace the inspection report.
Go deeper on the codes
Our full chimney page covers the annual NFPA 211 standard, when an inspection is legally or contractually required, and the building-code essentials for masonry chimneys — including the 3-2-10 height rule, liner sizing, crown requirements and clearance to combustibles.
Full Inspection Codes & Requirements
More chimney topics: parts of a fireplace · sweeping · fireplace, firebox and flue repair · chimney repair guide · all chimney services
Inspections Questions
NFPA 211 and CSIA recommend at least once a year, with cleaning and repair as needed.
A Level 2 inspection is the recognized standard before a property is sold or transferred.
Yes. The inspection is a written legal report on the inside of the system — used for sales, insurance, and code work. We sweep first so we can actually see the flue. Sweeping is $200.
No. The drone is a free exterior look included with a repair estimate — crown, cap, flashing and upper brick, no ladders. It is not the NFPA inspection report. That report needs a sweep first ($200).
Book a Sweep and Inspection
A chimney inspection is a written legal report on the flue. We sweep first so we can see inside. Sweeping is $200. A free repair estimate is different: that uses a drone on the exterior only.