How Much Does a Fireplace Inspection Cost in Minneapolis, MN?

By Garrett Sullivan, 16 years of experience · November 13, 2026 · 6 min read

In Minneapolis, our listed chimney inspection starts at $39, and chimney cleaning starts at $89. An inspection checks the fireplace and chimney for condition concerns; cleaning removes deposits when needed, and we explain which service fits what we find.

Our Starting Prices in Minneapolis

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Fireplace Inspection Cost Starts With the Inspection Scope

Our listed chimney inspection starts at $39. That is the starting price for an inspection—not a promise that every fireplace issue or additional repair is included. The work recommended after an inspection depends on what the sweep finds and what you asked to have checked.

Inspection and cleaning are different services. An inspection assesses the fireplace and chimney; cleaning removes soot and creosote buildup when present. We explain the work clearly and recommend only services a homeowner needs. For the service details, see our fireplace inspection service.

The fireplace inspection price can change with the scope of the assessment. For example, a routine check differs from a Level 2 inspection, which the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends in situations such as a change of appliance, a property sale, relining, or after a fire or weather event. A Level 2 inspection includes a video scan; see the CSIA Level 2 inspection procedure for the circumstances and requirements.

Choose an Inspection, Cleaning, or Both for Your Fireplace

Choose the service based on the question you need answered. An inspection looks for conditions that affect safe use; cleaning addresses deposits that can restrict the flue or increase fire risk.

Check These Fireplace Signs Before You Book

A few observations can help you describe the issue accurately. Do not climb onto the roof, reach into the flue, or light a fire to test a fireplace that may be unsafe.

• Smoke entering the room — Note whether smoke spills into the room at startup, after the fire is established, or every time you use the fireplace. Stop using it if smoke repeatedly enters the living space and arrange an inspection.
• Visible dark or shiny deposits — Look only from the fireplace opening with a flashlight; do not scrape the flue. Dark, glossy buildup can indicate creosote, which needs professional assessment and removal.
• Damage or debris — Look for loose material in the firebox, damaged visible brick or mortar, or pieces that have fallen into the fireplace. Leave the material in place and report what you can see.
• A recent change or event — Mention a new appliance, planned sale, chimney relining, chimney fire, or significant weather event. These circumstances can call for a Level 2 inspection rather than a routine assessment.

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What Happens During a Fireplace Inspection

A useful inspection follows the system from the fireplace toward the chimney termination and checks the parts that affect draft, containment, and operation. The exact scope depends on the request and the conditions found.

1. Describe the fireplace and concern — Tell the sweep whether the system burns wood or uses gas, when it was last used, and what changed. Include smoke, odor, debris, or any recent repair or event.
2. Identify the appliance and flue — The sweep checks which fireplace and chimney components are present. Confirm that the appliance and flue being assessed are the ones connected to the concern.
3. Examine the firebox — The firebox is checked for visible wear, loose material, and damage that could affect containment. Ask about any cracked or missing areas you noticed before the visit.
4. Check the damper — The damper controls the opening between the firebox and flue. Its position and movement matter: a damper that will not open or close properly can interfere with fireplace use.
5. Assess the smoke path — The sweep checks the route smoke takes from the firebox into the chimney and looks for conditions that may contribute to poor draft or smoke entering the room. Report when the problem happens, not just that it happens.
6. Look for deposits and obstruction — The flue is assessed for soot, creosote, and visible blockage. A deeper inspection or video scan may be appropriate when the circumstances call for a Level 2 inspection.
7. Review the findings and next work — The sweep explains what was found and whether cleaning, repair, or further inspection is recommended. Check that the proposed work addresses the reported concern before deciding how to proceed.

Three Fireplace Situations and the Starting Price That Fits

A routine condition check starts with the listed chimney inspection price of $39. This fits a homeowner who wants the fireplace and chimney assessed without already knowing that deposits need removal.

A fireplace with visible soot or creosote may need cleaning as well as an inspection. Chimney cleaning starts at $89, and the sweep can explain whether the observed buildup calls for cleaning or a different next step.

A fireplace tied to an appliance change, sale, relining, fire, or weather event may call for a Level 2 inspection with a video scan. That is a different scope from a routine inspection, so describe the event when booking. For other listed services and starting prices, see our prices.

Do Not Use a Fire to Test a Fireplace That May Be Unsafe

A smoky fireplace, visible damage, or suspected creosote is a reason to stop using the system until a chimney sweep assesses it. Do not try to clear a blockage with a household tool or burn extra-hot fires to remove deposits; that can leave the underlying problem unaddressed.

The CSIA explains that creosote forms during wood burning and that chimney fires can damage masonry and factory-built chimneys. Its chimney fire prevention guidance covers warning signs and why inspection matters. Contact a sweep when you see damaged parts, recurring smoke, or deposits you cannot safely assess from the fireplace opening.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

Book a Fireplace Inspection With the Details That Set Its Scope

When you book, share the fireplace type, the concern, and whether there has been an appliance change, sale, relining, fire, or major weather event. Those details help identify whether you are asking for a routine assessment or a deeper inspection.

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and same-day service is available. We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities metro communities within 50 miles. You can contact us to book and describe what you have observed.

If you are comparing inspection with cleaning, our article on how much fireplace inspection and cleaning cost covers that combined question. For timing between inspections, see how often a fireplace should be inspected.

Frequently asked questions