Pre-purchase liner assessment for Northgate home buyers — camera inspection translates a home inspector's chimney flag into an actual relining scope, written findings, and documentation usable before or after closing. Written scope before work begins.
Home inspectors flag chimney liner issues routinely — but "recommend further evaluation by a chimney specialist" covers a wide range of actual conditions. Understanding what the flag means determines whether relining is urgent, deferrable, or not required at all.
Inspector recommends a camera inspection because no recent inspection records exist, or because the home involves a change of occupancy — standard practice under NFPA 211. The liner may be in excellent condition.
Inspector noted visible cracking, spalling, or mortar debris through the firebox opening. Camera inspection will determine whether it is Class I surface damage or more serious Class II–III deterioration requiring relining.
Specific deficiency documented — collapsed tile, visible gap in liner, or evidence of flue gas escape. Camera inspection confirms the deficiency and scopes the relining work required before the fireplace or appliance can be operated.
Full-length camera inspection from the firebox looking up and from the chimney crown looking down. Documents tile condition, mortar joint integrity, smoke chamber corbeling, cap and crown condition, and any visible structural concerns. This is the NFPA 211 standard for pre-sale inspections — it is not optional if the home involves a sale.
Written report documents what the camera found, classifies any deficiencies by damage class, and separates findings into: requires correction before fireplace use, recommended but deferrable, and cosmetic only. The report does not exaggerate findings — it documents what exists. This report is provided to the buyer and can be shared with both parties' agents.
If camera findings show relining is required, a written scope and pricing is provided — specific to what the camera documented, not a general estimate. This written scope is the document used in negotiations or for setting up an escrow holdback for post-closing repairs.
Written inspection report and relining scope provide the documentation for asking the seller to reline before closing, negotiating a price reduction, or setting up an escrow holdback for post-closing work. Documentation is in your hands — how it is used is the buyer's and agent's decision.
If relining is required, it proceeds after the scope is agreed. Work can be completed before closing at the seller's direction or after closing by the buyer — whichever the negotiation produces. Either way the written scope documents exactly what is being performed and at what cost.
Buyer requests seller complete the relining before closing as a condition of sale. Requires seller's agreement and sufficient time in the inspection period. Work is verified by final camera inspection before closing. Buyer takes possession with the relining complete and documented.
Seller reduces purchase price by the written relining scope amount. Buyer takes possession and schedules relining post-closing. Common when timing is tight or when the seller prefers to close quickly. Written scope provides the specific number for the reduction request.
A portion of seller proceeds is held in escrow until the relining is completed post-closing. Protects the buyer if the seller is reluctant to complete work before closing. Written scope and pricing defines the holdback amount. Released to the contractor upon work completion.