Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Madison, WV

Replacing older chimneys or fireplaces, like wood-burning stoves, with something more eco-friendly can actually increase the value of your home. Some homeowners opt to remove chimneys as they pursue LEED certification, which may also increase the value of your home. But in general, many potential buyers actually look for operational fireplaces in homes, so removing a chimney and fireplace could decrease your home’s value by up to $5,000.

Repiping your home creates a large mess, and you won’t have access to water while your contractors are working. To prepare, contractors will cover the floor and furniture with drop clothes. In some cases, they may move furniture to protect it and get it out of the way. They’ll then cut holes in your walls, floors, and ceiling to expose the existing pipes.

They’ll also turn off your water, but they’ll leave at least one bathroom and the kitchen functioning at the end of the day. You’ll need to plan accordingly.

An inspection to look for damper handles is the best way to know if your house has dampers in the ducts. Not all homes have them, as some home builders may try to save money on the construction by leaving dampers out of the ducts. You can install them yourself later if desired, but you may have to do quite a bit of work and take on a partial air duct replacement cost, which could be $1,000 or more.

While the air inside your home should have some moisture—the ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%—too much moisture can lead to issues. Some ways to tell if there’s too much moisture in your home include condensation inside your windows, mildew growth in the bathroom or mold on surfaces, peeling paint, or an uptick in allergy symptoms.