Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Benson, VT

Chimney leaks may be covered by homeowners insurance, but it depends on the cause and the type of homeowners insurance you have. For example, if your chimney starts leaking after sudden extreme weather (like a lightning strike or wind storm), your insurance is more likely to cover it. But if your chimney problems are due to normal wear and tear or a known issue that you didn’t fix, your insurer might not pay for it.

Typically, a local home energy auditor is responsible for performing energy audits. A home energy auditor will conduct one of three energy audits designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to determine the energy efficiency of your home. The auditor often provides analysis that can help guide changes and improvements to your home for better energy efficiency, giving recommendations as necessary.

Depending on your state, a home inspector may need a license. All states and the District of Columbia require home inspectors to undergo training. However, some states (such as New York, Texas, Washington, and Illinois) require state-issued licenses while others (including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) do not.

Other professional certifications include the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certification, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certification, and the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors can also receive certifications in specialized areas. These can include structural specialties, like chimneys, swimming pools, or septic systems, as well as specific issues like mold, pests, or radon gas. Whatever your situation, make sure your home inspector is certified to handle it.

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.