New York Chimney SweepNew York Chimney SweepA co-op or condo fireplace inspection in New York generally costs $150–$400, with Level 2 video scans at the higher end. Apex Chimney handles the access and board paperwork most pre-war Manhattan buildings require, from the Upper West Side to Murray Hill.
| Inspection Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Level 1 — visual, accessible flue | $150–$250 |
| Level 2 — video camera scan (sale, board request, or after an event) | $300–$400 |
| Documentation/report for managing agent | Included or +$25–$75 |
| Level 3 — invasive, suspected concealed damage | Quoted on-site |
Typical NYC co-op/condo chimney inspection pricing (ballpark — confirmed on-site)
Most New York managing agents and boards request a Level 2 inspection, which adds a video camera scan of the full flue rather than a visual-only check. That moves the cost from the $150–$250 Level 1 range up to roughly $300–$400. Level 2 is the standard when a unit is changing hands, when a board logs a complaint, or after a chimney fire or weather event affecting the building stack.
Pricing reflects how the chimney is reached. A ground-or-roof-accessible flue in a low-rise condo sits at the lower end, while a tall pre-war stack with shared flues, roof bulkheads, or restricted roof access pushes toward the top of the range. Buildings where multiple fireplaces share a common chimney sometimes need each flue scoped separately, which is quoted on-site.
The deliverable for a board or managing agent is a written inspection report, often with video stills documenting flue condition, liner integrity, and clearances. Many providers include this with a Level 2 inspection; some add a $25–$75 documentation fee. Confirm the building's exact paperwork requirement before the visit so the report meets the board's format the first time.
Manhattan co-ops and condos add complexity that affects price: many Upper East Side and Greenwich Village pre-war buildings have decommissioned or shared masonry flues, and boards in Chelsea, Tribeca, and the Upper West Side frequently require a written Level 2 report before approving a fireplace's use or a unit sale. Roof access in high-rise Yorkville and Murray Hill towers often needs super coordination and a scheduled window. Washington Heights, Harlem, and Inwood brownstones tend to have single-flue masonry chimneys that inspect at the lower end. The NYC minimum service charge is $150, and the exact figure is confirmed on a free on-site visit once flue type and access are seen.
Level 1 is a visual check of accessible areas; Level 2 adds a video camera scan of the full flue and is standard for sales, board requests, and after a fire.
Many NYC boards require a current inspection report before approving fireplace use; the managing agent confirms the building's specific policy.
A standard cleaning typically runs $150–$300 depending on flue condition and building access, with $150 as the minimum charge.
Industry guidance is at least annually, plus before any sale and after any chimney event such as a fire or storm damage.