Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Pray, MT

Beyond having an inspection, it’s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.

These are some of the critical considerations when planning to make your home accessible:

• How wide are your doorways, wheelchair ramps, hallways, and pathways? These should be at least 32 inches wide.

• Which bathroom modifications will be necessary? 

• Do you need to lower any cabinetry or other fixtures to make them accessible for wheelchair users?

• Is there enough room to turn around in the shower?

• Is there a second story of the home that requires a stair lift?

• Is there proper lighting outside in the dark? If not, a floodlight may be necessary.

While most house creaking is expected to some extent and under normal conditions, it's not a good idea to ignore new noises. If other problems accompany the creakiness, like cement cracks, wobbly or loose stair components, or moving trimwork, it's time to look into the potential for foundation trouble or other structural problems.

Foundation cracks won’t always affect your appraised value. All foundations crack due to normal settlement, so hairline cracks that aren’t leaking or uneven from side to side are unlikely to have an impact on your appraisal. Structural cracks, on the other hand, often lead to a reduced appraised value, especially if the underlying problem will cause the issue to worsen over time.