Hi Renee,
I sell real estate, homes and land, and usually around here the prospective buyer hires an engineer or house inspector to go over the house before signing a contract of sale. The engineer produces a report, and if there is any aspect of the house that is not "up to code" or problematic in any way, it comes out in the report. If you did hire an engineer, check his or her report or call and ask if there were problems with the fireplace.
If you didn't have your house inspected, and in any case BEFORE you call another chimney company, go on down to your local Town Hall to the building department and find out exactly what code applies to fireplaces. The building department staff are knowledgeable, patient and helpful, at least around here. You may be able to request a (free) visit from a town inspector who will be able to tell you if your fireplace is up to code and, if not, what needs to be done. The building department may be able to suggest a reputable contractor.
And GMC44's tar-around-the-chimney suggestion sounds good, too!
Best wishes, Carolyn
|