Real Estate Inspections in the Greater Philadelphia & Pocono Areas

When buying or selling a home, chimney and venting systems are often overlooked, but they’re critical to the safety, value, and insurability of the property. Chimney Scientists offers certified real estate inspection services throughout Greater Philadelphia and the Poconos, helping homeowners, agents, home buyers, and municipalities ensure every chimney is up to code. Whether you need a use and occupancy inspection or a full evaluation prior to closing, we’ll provide detailed, compliant inspection reports you can rely on.

Why a Real Estate Inspection Is Critical

A real estate inspection is one of the final steps of the home-buying process. It assures potential buyers that all parts of the home are safe and in good condition. One area that can be overlooked in an inspection by someone without specialized knowledge is the chimney.

Many chimneys look fine from the outside but hide dangerous defects within. A real estate inspection for home purchase ensures that your chimney is safe, functional, and code-compliant—before problems arise. We can also do comprehensive chimney inspections to ensure the entire system is structurally sound.

Our inspections for buyers and sellers across southeastern Pennsylvania provide the following:

• Identify fire hazards, structural damage, or flue deterioration

• Prevent insurance complications or failed municipal inspections

• Avoid costly post-sale surprises

• Meet township-specific requirements for use and occupancy inspections

A fireplace or chimney issue can delay a home sale or result in last-minute negotiations on the purchase price. Our certified team helps you stay ahead of the curve with fast, professional service.

Use and Occupancy Inspections

Many Pennsylvania townships require a use and occupancy (U&O) inspection before a home can legally be sold or occupied. This often includes a chimney inspection to verify safe venting and structural stability.

Our U&O inspections:

• Comply with municipal regulations and permit requirements

• Include documentation needed for settlement or certificate of occupancy

• Identify repairs needed to meet code (we can handle any chimney or flue repairs needed)

Need help fast? We work closely with real estate agents and title companies to provide fast turnaround times for homes on the market.

Property Inspections for Buyers, Sellers & Agents

Our inspections for buyers and sellers are designed to streamline the transaction process and eliminate surprises during escrow. Whether you’re the listing agent or the buyer’s representative, we’ll provide honest, third-party documentation on the chimney’s condition.

We offer:

• Buyer inspections: Know what you’re getting before you sign—no hidden chimney problems.

• Seller inspections: Fix safety issues before listing and speed up the negotiation process.

• Agent support: We coordinate directly with real estate agents to stay on schedule and in compliance.

We can also pair your real estate inspection with chimney cleaning services during the visit to ensure your chimney is in tip-top shape.

Certified & Municipality-Compliant Inspections

All real estate inspections are performed by CSIA-certified chimney professionals with experience in both residential and municipal compliance. We know what townships are looking for—and how to meet those requirements quickly and accurately.

Our team is:

• Trained to follow NFPA 211 and local codes

• Fully licensed and insured

• Equipped with digital tools and photo documentation

• Trusted by agents, title companies, and township officials across the region

We also provide repair estimates, chimney reports, and upgrade options for gas conversion, flue relining, and more.

What Our Real Estate Inspection Includes

Every certified real estate inspection includes a full chimney evaluation using industry best practices. Here’s what you can expect:

• Exterior and interior structural review

• Chimney flue inspection (visual or video scan, depending on scope)

• Check of damper, smoke chamber, and firebox condition

• Verification of venting safety for gas, wood, or oil appliances

• Compliance check with township U&O requirements

• A digital report with photos and any repair recommendations

If repairs are needed, we’ll walk you through the options and provide a fast turnaround so you can move forward without delay.

Areas We Serve in Greater Philadelphia & the Poconos

We provide real estate inspection services across eastern Pennsylvania, including:

• Philadelphia County

• Montgomery County

• Bucks County

• Chester County

• Delaware County

• Carbon County

• Lehigh County

• Monroe County

Whether you’re buying a starter home in Norristown or selling a historic property in Center City, Chimney Scientists has you covered.

Schedule Your Inspection with Chimney Scientists

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, Chimney Scientists makes it easy to schedule a professional inspection for your next closing. We respond quickly, show up on time, and deliver detailed reports that meet local codes and buyer expectations.

Schedule your real estate inspection for your home sale today and get the peace of mind you need to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Inspections

What is a use and occupancy inspection?

A use and occupancy (U&O) inspection is a township-mandated inspection required before a home can be sold or legally occupied. It often includes a chimney safety check.

Do I need an inspection to sell my home in Pennsylvania?

Real estate inspections are not mandated in Pennsylvania; however, many municipalities require them. You will need to check with your town to determine what is needed. Even if not required, a real estate inspection can help avoid surprises during closing.

What’s included in a real estate inspection?

Our inspection includes a full chimney review, flue and firebox check, damper inspection, and code compliance verification. You’ll receive a digital report with photos and repair suggestions if needed.

Are your inspectors certified?

Yes, all of our inspectors are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and trained in current fire codes and real estate protocols.

Who is responsible for the inspection—the buyer or the seller?

Either party can arrange and pay for the inspection. Buyers typically order one during escrow, while sellers may schedule one in advance to prepare their home for listing.