Chimney Level 2 Inspection in Rancho Palos Verdes: Written Report, Licensed Technicians

A couple in Miraleste called us last spring after their listing agent flagged the fireplace during a pre-sale walkthrough. The home was built in 1972, a single-story ranch with the original brick chimney still intact. They'd used the fireplace maybe a dozen times each winter, mostly during cold snaps off the coast. The agent told them a Level 2 chimney inspection would be required before escrow could close. They hadn't thought about the chimney in years. Their concern was straightforward: would the inspection turn up something that would kill the deal or delay closing? They needed the report fast, because the buyer's lender had a timeline.

We see this call regularly from sellers across the Palos Verdes peninsula, especially in Palos Verdes Estates and along the Trump National corridor where mid-century and 1980s homes dominate the market. Buyers and their agents know that NFPA 211 requires a Level 2 inspection any time a property changes hands. The seller often learns about this requirement late in the process. That's exactly what happened here. They needed a CSIA-certified team that could inspect, document, and deliver a report within the escrow window. We scheduled the inspection for the following week. You can learn more about our full range of chimney inspection services on our inspection page.

A Level 2 inspection goes beyond a visual check. We insert a camera into the flue and scan every accessible inch of the liner, smoke chamber, and firebox. In this Miraleste home, the camera revealed two things: 2nd-degree creosote buildup in the lower third of the flue, and a hairline crack in one of the clay liner tiles about eight feet up. The crack was likely caused by minor seismic shifting over the decades. Coastal RPV homes sit on terrain that moves, and clay liners don't flex with it. We documented both findings with timestamped photos and measurements, then provided the report within five business days. The creosote was a routine sweep. The liner crack required a targeted repair, which we completed before the buyer's contingency deadline.

NFPA 211 defines a Level 2 inspection as the standard for any real estate transaction, and for good reason. Problems hidden inside a flue can include deteriorated mortar joints, obstructions from animal nesting, or cracked tiles that allow heat transfer to combustible framing. In the Trump National corridor and Palos Verdes Estates, many homes have chimneys that were built decades ago and have never been scoped with a camera. If you're listing a property and need a Level 2 report that holds up during escrow, we turn these around on a timeline that works with your closing date. Our chimney repair team handles any issues the inspection uncovers, so you're not coordinating between multiple contractors.