7 Tips For Preparing A Chimney For A Home Sale

Selling your home is a major decision. Part of preparing your home for sale is ensuring that every aspect of it is in good condition. Even though it might not rank high on your list, your chimney needs just as much attention as the rest of your home when prepping for a sale. Here are some tips for getting your chimney in order.

  1. Inspect the chimney. Look for signs that the chimney might have some damage. Signs can include loose bricks, cracks, and missing mortar in some parts. Schedule a service visit from a pro to repair the damage.
  2. Place a cap on the chimney. A cap helps to not only keep rain and animals out of your chimney, but it keeps them from getting into your home and doing damage in other areas. If you have a cap already in place and its damaged, replace it.
  3. Get a chimney sweep. A chimney sweep will help to remove soot and other debris that has accumulated within the structure. When showing your home, pointing out that the sweep has already been done shows that the home has been well-kept which could help sell it.
  4. Obtain a cleaning record. After the chimney has been cleaned, it is important that you obtain proof that it has. Chimneys are part of the inspection process when someone is buying your home. Presenting proof of the cleaning can help prevent inspection-related delays.
  5. Clear the area around the chimney. Remove trees, branches, and leaves that are within 15 feet of the chimney.
  6. Install a spark guard. If you plan to light the fireplace while showing the home for demonstrative purposes, use a spark guard. The spark guard will help to keep embers from shooting out of the fireplace and causing damage to your floors or furnishings.
  7. Install monitoring devices. Installing safety equipment, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, can help ensure that the safety of the chimney and fireplace are being monitored. It will also help to show potential buyers you are selling a safe home.

In the rush to get ready to sell your home, the chimney can be easily overlooked. Unfortunately, during a home inspection, the condition of it can become a big issue if it is not properly cared for. To avoid a delay in selling your home, take care of the chimney ahead of placing it on the market and use it as a selling point. For further assistance, contact professionals, such as those from Carleton Chimney Services.


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