Chimney questions, answered — Bellevue & the Eastside.

At least once a year. NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances, states that chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Sources: NFPA — NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances (https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-211-standard/p0211code, accessed September 23, 2026); Chimney Safety Institute of America — Homeowner Resources (https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources, accessed September 23, 2026).

There are three, defined in NFPA 211. A Level 1 inspection is the routine annual inspection, for a system you keep using with nothing changing. A Level 2 adds the accessible attic, crawl space and roof, plus a video scan of the flue. A Level 3 adds the removal of components where that is needed to reach concealed areas. Sources: CSIA — Standard Operating Procedure, Level 1 Inspection (masonry chimney) (https://web.csia.org/external/wcpages/wcmedia/documents/CSIA_Level1_MasonryChimney%20Revision%20Final.pdf, accessed September 23, 2026); CSIA — Standard Operating Procedure, Level 2 Inspection (masonry fireplace) (https://web.csia.org/external/wcpages/wcmedia/documents/CSIA_Level2_MasonryFireplace%20Revision%20Final.pdf, accessed September 23, 2026).

The chimney industry's safety body recommends one: CSIA recommends a Level 2 inspection when a property is being sold. That is an industry recommendation, not a requirement we found in Washington State law. Source: CSIA — Standard Operating Procedure, Level 2 Inspection (masonry fireplace) (https://web.csia.org/external/wcpages/wcmedia/documents/CSIA_Level2_MasonryFireplace%20Revision%20Final.pdf, accessed September 23, 2026).

CSIA recommends a Level 2 inspection when you add or change an appliance or switch fuel, before a chimney is lined or relined, and after a chimney fire, a weather event or a seismic event. Source: CSIA — Standard Operating Procedure, Level 2 Inspection (masonry fireplace) (https://web.csia.org/external/wcpages/wcmedia/documents/CSIA_Level2_MasonryFireplace%20Revision%20Final.pdf, accessed September 23, 2026).

It depends on the stage. King County is covered by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's burn bans. A Stage 1 ban prohibits fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves and inserts; a Stage 2 ban prohibits all wood and pellet devices — unless the device is the home's only adequate source of heat. The state rule behind the bans is WAC 173-433-150. Sources: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency — About Air Quality Burn Bans (https://pscleanair.gov/172/About-Air-Quality-Burn-Bans, accessed September 23, 2026); WAC 173-433-150 (via Cornell LII) (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/washington/WAC-173-433-150, accessed September 23, 2026).

Only if it is certified and labeled. Washington allows only certified and labeled solid fuel burning devices to be sold, exchanged or given away (WAC 173-433-100). Sources: WAC 173-433-100 (via Cornell LII) (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/washington/WAC-173-433-100, accessed September 23, 2026); Puget Sound Clean Air Agency — Wood Burning and the Law (https://pscleanair.gov/170/Legal-Overview, accessed September 23, 2026).

In most cases, yes. The City of Bellevue lists installing a fireplace insert, a zero-clearance fireplace or a pellet stove among the work that requires a permit. Clyde Hill requires a mechanical permit for fireplace inserts and gas appliances, and Medina, Issaquah and Mercer Island require mechanical permits for mechanical or venting work. Your city's permit office decides for a specific job. Sources: City of Bellevue — Work Requiring Permits (https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/permits/faqs/work-requiring-permits, accessed September 23, 2026); City of Clyde Hill — Mechanical Permit (https://clydehill.org/government/departments/building_planning/permits/mechanical_permit.php, accessed September 23, 2026); City of Medina — Development Services FAQ (https://www.medina-wa.gov/developmentservices/page/faq, accessed September 23, 2026); City of Issaquah — Do I Need a Permit? (https://www.issaquahwa.gov/183/Do-I-Need-a-Permit, accessed September 23, 2026); City of Mercer Island — Mechanical Permits (https://www.mercerisland.gov/cpd/page/mechanical-permits, accessed September 23, 2026).

Washington uses the 2021 International Residential Code with state amendments, adopted as WAC 51-51. Its fireplace amendment requires new masonry fireplaces to have a metal damper, outside combustion air and tight-fitting doors. Sources: WAC 51-51-003 (via Cornell LII) (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/washington/WAC-51-51-003, accessed September 23, 2026); WAC 51-51-1001 (via Cornell LII) (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/washington/WAC-51-51-1001, accessed September 23, 2026); King County — Building and fire codes (https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/local-services/buildings-property/codes-complaints/building-fire-codes, accessed September 23, 2026).

$99 plus tax, per chimney, whichever inspection level your chimney needs. If you approve the quote that follows, the $99 plus tax is credited toward the work.

Yes, when you approve our quote: the $99 plus tax comes off the price of the work you go ahead with. If you decide not to go ahead, the inspection fee stays due — it pays for the visit, the written report and the itemized quote you keep either way.

Level 1 visual; Level 2 adds a full camera scan. You get a written report of what we found and, if anything needs work, a written, itemized quote with photos before any work starts — you approve the price first.

We work in Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Medina and Clyde Hill, on the Eastside of King County, Washington. Each town has its own page on this site listing the services we offer there. If your address is outside those 5 communities, call us before booking.

Book online on this site — the calendar reserves a real slot — or call us on (425) 380-8866. We contact you about your appointment by email and phone; we do not send text messages, and your details are never sold or shared for anyone else's marketing.

A chimney sweep is $189–$449, a chimney cap installation $235–$845, and a full chimney relining starts from $1,895. Our price page lists all 12 services. The exact figure for your chimney is set in writing after the $99 plus tax inspection, and you approve it before any work starts.