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

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

In Minneapolis, a chimney inspection at MN Chimney Sweep starts at $39; chimney cleaning starts at $89 when cleaning is needed. Inspection and cleaning are separate services, so an inspection does not automatically mean a sweep is required.

Our Starting Price in Minneapolis

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What the Chimney Inspection Starting Price Tells You

The starting price is for a chimney inspection, not an automatic package of inspection and cleaning. An inspection checks the chimney and fireplace for conditions that may affect safe operation; cleaning is a separate service when soot or creosote needs to be removed.

The final work depends on the system and the inspection scope. A visual inspection and a Level 2 inspection are not the same: CSIA guidance calls for a Level 2 inspection in situations such as a change to the appliance, a sale, relining, or after a fire or weather event. That inspection includes a video scan. Read how much a Level 2 chimney inspection costs if one of those situations applies.

What Changes the Cost of a Chimney Inspection

The inspection scope and any separate work recommended after the inspection affect the total. These are the details to sort out before booking.

• Inspection level — A standard visual check and a Level 2 inspection involve different steps. A video scan is required for a Level 2 inspection, so an appliance change, home sale, relining, fire, or weather event can call for a different scope.
• Chimney condition — Visible damage, unusual smoke, or concerns about the flue may lead to a closer evaluation. An inspection identifies what needs attention; it does not mean repair or replacement is automatically required.
• Cleaning needs — Inspection and cleaning are separate services. Creosote or soot that needs removal can add cleaning to the work, but the inspector should identify that need rather than treat every inspection as a sweep.
• Repair or replacement — A damaged liner, crown, cap, or masonry may require a separate repair or installation. Ask for the recommended work and its starting price separately from the inspection.

Which Chimney Inspection Fits Your Situation

Choose the inspection scope based on what changed or what you noticed—not on an assumption that every chimney needs the same level of review.

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Three Common Chimney Inspection Cost Situations

For a routine check without a known change or damage, our inspection starting price is $39. Use this as the starting point for an inspection, not as a quote for repairs or additional services.

If the inspection finds deposits that need removal, our cleaning starting price is $89. The inspection and cleaning are separate services, and the need for cleaning should follow from what the chimney check finds.

If a Level 2 inspection identifies a liner that needs replacement, our liner installation starts at $899. That is an installation price, not an inspection price; the inspection itself does not mean a liner must be replaced. For other service starting prices, see our prices.

What to Check Before a Chimney Inspection

A few safe observations can help you describe the issue clearly. Stay indoors or on the ground; do not climb onto the roof or take apart the chimney.

1. Note what prompted the inspection — Write down whether this is a routine check, an appliance change, a home sale, relining, or a recent fire or weather event. Check that your notes identify the event or change and when it happened.
2. Observe smoke from the fireplace — From a safe place, note whether smoke enters the room during use and when it happens. Check whether the problem occurs as soon as a fire starts or after it has been burning.
3. Look at the firebox from inside — With the fireplace completely cool, use a flashlight to note visible cracks, loose material, or heavy deposits in the firebox. Do not scrape deposits or reach into the flue; check that you have only recorded what you can see safely.
4. Check the damper from the fireplace opening — When the appliance is cool, look for visible obstruction or damage around the damper without forcing it. Note whether it moves normally and whether it closes or opens as expected.
5. Observe the chimney from the ground — Use binoculars if you have them to look for an obviously displaced cap, missing masonry, or visible exterior damage. Do not use a ladder; check that you have not mistaken a distant shadow for damage.
6. Gather appliance and service details — Write down what fuel or appliance you use and any known changes, repairs, or previous inspection notes. Check the records for dates and work descriptions that may help establish whether a Level 2 inspection is relevant.
7. Stop using the fireplace when something seems unsafe — Do not light another fire if you see damage, smell smoke indoors, or have a concern following a fire in the chimney. Check that everyone stays clear of the appliance and arrange a professional evaluation.

How the Chimney Inspection Visit and Findings Work

The visit length follows the inspection scope: a Level 2 inspection includes a video scan, while a visual inspection has a different scope. When booking, ask which level fits your situation and how much time to set aside for that inspection.

After the inspection, separate the findings into three questions: Is cleaning needed? Is there damage that needs repair? Does the situation call for a closer inspection? We explain the work clearly and recommend only the services a homeowner needs.

Keep the findings with your appliance and chimney records. That gives you a useful reference if you change the appliance, plan a sale, or notice a new issue later.

Need help now? (612) 806-0154

When to Book a Chimney Inspection Instead of Checking It Yourself

A ground-level look cannot assess the full flue or replace a professional inspection. Contact a chimney inspection service when you are changing an appliance, preparing for a sale, relining, responding to a fire or weather event, or seeing smoke or visible damage.

CSIA guidance cites the NFPA 211 recommendation for an annual chimney inspection. Use the CSIA homeowner resources for inspection and maintenance guidance, and leave roof access, internal flue evaluation, and video scanning to a chimney professional.

To book with MN Chimney Sweep, use our contact page or call (612) 806-0154. Same-day service is available, and you can describe the appliance, the concern, and any recent change when you arrange the visit.

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