Upon requesting an inspection, the chimney inspector comes prepared to visually inspect the inside of the chimney using special lighting. In recent years, higher levels of inspections have included the use of chimney inspection cameras. These systems are called video scanners and are designed to record imagery from inside the chimney, documenting the interior condition and highlighting defects or problem areas. The camera system can also be used after the chimney has been cleaned to ensure there is no residue left behind.

Once the inspector determines the scope of the work, they use rods, wire brushes, and high powered vacuum systems to remove creosote and soot along the walls, from corners, ledges and other hard-to-reach areas.

In cases in which the creosote has hardened and can’t be swept away, a chemical may be applied to the glaze to break it down. After allowing several days for the chemicals to process, the inspector will return to vacuum out the deposits that remain. During the last visit, the inspector will apply a chemical neutralizer and perform a final sweep.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), inspections can fall into one of three categories. A level-one chimney inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney using extra illumination, but not requiring a trip up to the roof. The inspector will be looking for creosote build-up, soot, chimney damage or obstructions from animal nests or other debris. If the chimney needs cleaning, an inspector can perform the action during the visit for a cost of $100 to $200.

A level-two chimney inspection might be considered in cases of earthquake or other dramatic weather conditions, or if the home has been recently purchased. In these cases, the inspector will include a visit to the roof, attic or crawl space to check conditions, and will utilize scanning equipment and other tools. If feasible, the chimney can be cleaned at the same time, or another visit can be scheduled for additional clean-up. A level-two inspection can range from $200 to $500.

A level-three inspection might be necessary when major damage has been done to a chimney — for example in cases of a chimney fire. It can involve tearing down and replacing parts of the chimney, and may cost from $1000 to $5000.

In the U.S., real estate agents typically take 4 – 6% of the value of the home, which many home owners view as unjustifiably large, considering the agent puts none of their own money into the home and comparatively small amount of their time. Yet, sellers must take into account that this fee is usually split between the buyer’s agent and seller’s agent, and the brokerage must be rewarded too. After taxes, the average real estate agent makes a humble living. Although, understandably, the seller doesn’t care about how the fee is split up, as they’d much fancy to pocket the whole amount.

There are also psychological considerations why homeowners choose to sell their homes themselves. Some people enjoy the feeling of being in control of the transaction and unencumbered by the potential problems or ulterior motives of professionals. The agent might want to accept a low offer because they’re in a hurry to sell the home, get their fee and move on, even if the seller is in no rush and desires to proceed at their own tempo. Moreover, the balance of the commission will be impacted very little by a change in the final sale price, leaving the agent with little incentive to dicker over a couple thousand dollars.
Of course, many sellers will easily pay a real estate agent a hefty commission, especially in buyers’ markets, when the seller can’t acquire sufficient attention to sell the residence on their own. Also, the thought of a property transaction– perhaps the most significant financial move of someone’s life – without having a professional may be unsettling to both the buyer and the seller. Brokers understand what agreements must be signed and which laws must be observed (such as disclosure requirements), decreasing a lot of hassle for the buyer and seller, and keeping them both out of the courtroom. A real estate agent will also operate as a shield between the buyer and seller, who could very well feel uncomfortable interacting with one another directly.

Potentially the finest reason to use the services of a real estate agent is that they know how to price a house, and, without their support, the seller may waste months trying unsuccessfully to sell an overpriced house, or, worse, sell the residence for too little. When selling a home devoid of an agent, owners will be accountable not only for making sure they pay the fees charged by numerous professionals, but they will also be responsible for finding these business people in the first place. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know to not skimp on the home assessment, for instance, by exclusively hiring InterNACHI inspectors.

Sellers can save thousands of dollars by avoiding the services of a real estate agent, but to do this adequately, they are going to have to earn that money. The subsequent tips are a good start for FSBO home sellers:

Don’t skimp on your own home preparation. Your selected house will be in competition with houses listed by agents who coach their clients on how to organize their house for showings. Be trained about legal requirements for disclosures in your location. If you do not reveal certain information to the buyer, they might be able attack you later in court. Familiarize yourself with the documents and contracts required by a real estate transaction. It usually pays to hire a lawyer to check the contract. Study ad and marketing tools available to you on the Internet. There are a number of sites that will even help you develop a video tour of your home. Hone your negotiating skills and be equipped to turn down some offers. Real estate agents are skilled negotiators, and the buyer’s agent might try to take advantage of your lack of experience.
In summary, it might make sense to seek the services of a real estate agent to aid with the sale of a home, but knowledgeable, responsible homeowners can save a great deal of money by selling their properties themselves.

• Theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime.
• In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported more than 2 million burglary offenses.

According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations:

• 81% enter through the first floor;
• 34% of burglars enter through the front door;
• 23% enter through a first-floor window;
• 22% enter through the back door;
• 9% enter through the garage;
• 4% enter through the basement;
• 4% enter through an unlocked entrance;
• 2% enter through a storage area; and
• 2% enter through anywhere on the second floor.

Some interesting statistics concerning break-ins in Canada (2002):

• The burglary rate in Canada, at 877 per 100,000 people, is seven times higher than that of the country with the fewest break-ins, Norway.
• The burglary rate in Canada is slightly higher than that of the United States (at 746 per 100,000 people), but significantly less than the burglary rate in Australia, at 2,275 per 100,000 people.

Consider the following safety measures:

Exterior Doors

• Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
• Doors should be free of signs of rot, cracks and warping.
• Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
• If a mail slot is present, it should be equipped with a cage or box. Mail slots that are not equipped with cages or boxes have been used by burglars to enter homes.  If no box or cage is present, burglars can insert a contraption made of wire and cord into the mail slot and use it to open the lock from the inside.
• If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
• Spare keys should not be hidden in obvious locations. Burglars are very good at finding keys you believe are cleverly hidden. The best place for a spare key is in the house of a trusted neighbor. If keys must be hidden near the door, don’t place them in obvious locations, such as under a doormat, rock or planter.
• Install a peephole in doors so you can see who is on the doorstep before you open the door.
• Consider installing bump-resistant locks. “Bumping” is a technique developed recently that can open almost any standard lock with less effort than is required by lock-picking. This technique uses “bump keys,” which are normal keys with slight modifications. Lock companies such as Schlage, Primus and Medeco manufacture a number of locks that offer some bump-resistance.

• Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. Don’t install a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock.
• Another reason to forgo pet doors is that a crafty burglar may convince or coerce a small child to crawl through a pet door and unlock the door. Also, some burglars are children.
• Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well.

Sliding Glass Doors:

• They should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms.
• They should not be able to be lifted from their frames.
• A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.

Illumination:

• Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
• When you are not home, a few lights should be left on.
• It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.

Windows:

• All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
• Consider installing bars, grilles, grates or heavy-duty wire screening. Be aware that barred windows must be equipped with a quick-release mechanism so occupants can quickly escape during a fire.
• Windows should not be hidden by landscaping or structures. If landscaping or structures cannot be moved, lighting can be installed around the windows.

Landscape and Yard:

• Shrubs and trees should not obscure the view of entrances. Shielded entrances can provide cover for burglars while they attempt to enter the residence.
• Fences are helpful burglar deterrents, although they should not be difficult to see through.

While the House is Vacant:

• A loud radio can be used to make burglars think someone is home. Timers can be used to activate radios and lights to make the home appear occupied.
• A car should always be parked in the driveway. A neighbor’s car can be parked there so that it appears as if someone is home.
• The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.

Other Tips:

• Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. If you don’t own a dog, place  ”Beware of Dog” signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.
• If no security system is installed, you can post security alarm stickers around the yard anyway.

In summary, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the chance that your home will be burglarized.