Chimney
Chimney Inspections in Ontario: Levels, WETT and Insurance
· by Diamond Home Services
What Level 1, 2 and 3 chimney inspections cover in Ontario, when insurers and lenders demand a WETT report, and what it costs across the GTA.
If you are buying a home with a wood-burning appliance in Ontario, your insurer will almost certainly ask for a WETT-style inspection report before binding coverage. Here is what that means in practice.
The three inspection levels
- Level 1 — visual check of readily accessible portions: firebox, damper, connector, exterior stack. Right for an annual sweep on a system that has not changed.
- Level 2 — everything in Level 1 plus a camera scan of the full flue, attic and crawlspace inspection of the chimney chase, and clearance verification. Required on property transfer, after an appliance change, and after a chimney fire or earthquake.
- Level 3 — invasive. Opening walls or removing the crown to reach concealed damage. Only used when a Level 2 finds a serious hazard.
What insurers in Ontario want
Most carriers want a current inspection on record for wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces, confirming manufacturer clearances to combustibles, an intact liner, and correct installation. Failing to disclose a wood appliance is a common — and expensive — claims denial.
What the report should include
- Photos of the flue interior, not just the exterior
- Clearance measurements to framing and combustibles
- Liner condition and type (clay, stainless, unlined)
- Crown, cap and flashing condition
- A clear pass, conditional, or fail with specific remediation items
Typical GTA pricing
A Level 1 with a sweep runs $180–$320. A Level 2 with a full camera scan is $300–$550 depending on the number of flues and roof access. Level 3 is quoted after diagnosis because it involves demolition and rebuild.
Common failures we write up
Unlined pre-1960 brick chimneys, wood stoves installed too close to framing, single-wall connector pipe passing through a wall without a thimble, and liners cracked by a past chimney fire. All of them are fixable — but they need to be found before closing, not after.
Booking an inspection
We inspect across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville and Burlington, usually within a few business days. See the chimney sweep and inspection page for scope, or call us and request a quote with your closing date — we prioritize real-estate deadlines.