ADVICE FOR HOME BUYERS

A fireplace or log burner is often a selling-point when buying a new home, and once you've moved in and unpacked the kettle, it's a great pleasure to light the fire and relax, but how do you know it is in safe working order?

The truth is that most homebuying surveys do not identify whether a fireplace is safe to use. In fact, hundreds of homes get sold every year with faulty installations and no paperwork detailing their installation or service history.  A customer recently described this as 'like moving in and finding the toilet isn't plumbed in.'  Whilst not as inconvenient as having no flushing toilet, a poorly installed stove or unsafe chimney can cause real harm and it's important to have it checked by a professional before lighting it.

To be sure your appliance is safe, book a sweep to provide:

• An inspection of the fireplace/stove installation

• A ground level external inspection of the chimney and any pots/terminals

• A check of the internal components of the fireplace or stove

• A full sweep of the flue

• CCTV flue inspection 

• A smoke test

• Advice on how to use your appliance effectively

• Paperwork documenting work undertaken and any advice/recommendations

• Details of reputable chimney specialists who will be able to rectify any problems

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