Clear and accurate general disclaimers are essential in any chimney inspection report. They help define the scope of the inspection, establish the limits of liability, and ensure clients understand that findings apply only to accessible areas and conditions present at the time of inspection. This section includes time-tested language designed to help chimney professionals protect their business while maintaining transparency with clients. Review, copy, and customize the text below to align with your company’s practices and legal guidance.
***Please note that the language and disclaimers below are offered as a template for your convenience. They should be customized to fit your needs and the policies of your company. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney if you have any questions. While we have used these disclaimers for many years, be aware that by using these disclaimers you do so at your own risk.
COMPANY DISCLAIMERS
(In our reports, this section appears on a separate page before the signature page. If left blank, the disclaimers section will not appear in the report. Schedule an app demo to learn more.)
Ownership: This report is the exclusive property of the inspection client as indicated in this document, or the inspection company. If this inspection takes place during the resale or any transaction of property, we recommend that all repair suggestions we make within this report be completed well before the close of escrow by licensed specialists, who may identify additional defects or recommend upgrades that could affect the evaluation of this property.
Inspection Standards: You have received a professional report that may or may not include NFPA 211 style inspections, as indicated in this document. No Inspector opinion is involved in system deficiencies observed. Photos or videos taken at the time of inspection or site visit may be logged and kept on permanent digital file. Where inspections are performed, they are based on the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association in the NFPA 211 Inspection Standard. These Inspection Standards are recognized throughout the United States by the Fireplace and Venting Industry as “The Industry Standards.” Based on this fact, the inspector is professionally and legally obligated to abide by these standards. The Client has a right to negate or dismiss any portion or all of these standards. Please be notified, however, that this action may release the inspector from any liability and relinquish your rights to seek reimbursement for damages. These standards are recommended in the best interest of all parties.
General Disclaimers: A Level II inspection is required for all new clients, for the sale or purchase of any property, and for the conditions requiring a Level II inspection as outlined in the NFPA 211, the standard of care for our industry. Any findings may not apply beyond the date of inspection and are only indicative of conditions present during the inspection. Client understands that any inspection was limited to those areas within the scope of the level of inspection performed at the time of inspection but may be limited due to inaccessible areas, weather, chimney height, roof pitch, snow load, or other safety factors. At no point is it implied that every possible deficiency has been noted. The inspector reserves the right to amend their findings, as applicable, and in conformance with the standard of care in our industry. If the client listed in this report chooses to ignore or decline recommendations supplied within this report, the client willfully releases the inspection company and their employees of all liability for any property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
Rooftop Access: The client understands that the inspector may be required to walk on the roof to gain access to the chimney and adjacent areas. The inspector will use reasonable care to avoid damage to the roof. However, damage to the roof may occur. It is understood that the inspector will not be held responsible for any damage or repair whatsoever to the roof as a result of this inspection.
Inaccessible Areas: The client understands that the Inspector likely cannot obtain access to certain portions of the fireplace and certain enclosed or concealed adjacent areas due to lack of access or safety hazards to the inspector. The Inspector will make this determination based on the accessibility, material condition or type, site conditions, safe practices, and weather conditions as found at the time of inspection. The Inspector makes no representations express or implied and will not be responsible in any way whatsoever for deficiencies, improper installation, or improper equipment in inaccessible areas or those masked by paint or other materials. The findings listed within this report are based on the condition of the appliance or system at the time of this inspection and may be limited due to access granted or the type of inspection requested.
Recommendations: Given for the service of our clients recommendations in no way indicate a contract, proposal, or offer to perform work. Ballparks for recommendations may be included in this report, come separately as an addendum to this report, or be given verbally over the phone. Any ballpark pricing is considered a best-guess estimate only. Variations in pricing may occur based on materials used, unknown deficiencies in currently inaccessible areas, or the scope of work to be performed.