Buying A Bothell House With A Chimney - What You Need To Know

A Bothell house with a chimney is almost a necessity for some people. A chimney can help reduce the heating bill and can be very enjoyable. Many people like to relax in front of a warm fire in the comfort of their own living room. Keep in mind, however, that chimneys are not maintenance-free. They require regular cleaning because the wood and paper that you burn release chemicals and soot that can build up in the walls of your chimney. 

Having a clean chimney is not an option; it is critical. Many chimney fires have started and destroyed entire houses because of a homeowner's lack of maintenance. With chemical residue and soot building up on the walls of your chimney it is important to have it cleaned. 

You may either try to do it yourself or contact a professional to do it for you. Doing it on your own may save you money in the long run, but the tools needed are quite extensive and can be very costly. Also the job is quite dangerous and can have long-term harmful affects on your eyes and respiratory system. Contacting a professional Bothell chimney cleaner may be the better option if you do not have the motivation or willingness to tackle the hard and dirty job on your own. 

When you are looking to buy a Bothell house with a chimney, always remember that a fireplace is a beautiful and attractive feature but it also requires work. You must have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis. If a chimney fire should occur due to your failure to maintain the cleanliness of your chimney you may be held liable for all the damages. Your insurance may not cover it if damage is due to negligence. 

A Bothell house with a chimney and fireplace can be very rewarding as long as the upkeep and maintenance is regular and done properly. A few different techniques used for cleaning chimneys include doing it from the bottom up, doing it from the roof down, using a dual line with two people or a completely different method using weights. 

Shopping for a home can be quite fun and exciting. Owning a home can be even better. When you are looking for your ideal house in Bothell do not overlook your the cost of cleaning the chimney regularly over the years. Without the proper cleaning and without a stainless steel chimney lining, the house can be in severe risk of damage. 

Never purchase a house without knowing the state of the chimney and how old it is. Older chimneys usually do not have steel linings to protect the bricks and mortar holding them together. If you purchase a house that has no chimney liner, you may end up footing the bill for damage that occurred as a result of chemical build-up in and around the bricks and mortar, causing them to deteriorate. 

Before signing the final papers for your purchase you should contact a Bothell professional chimney inspector to survey the chimney and around it to ensure that everything is safe. Be aware that cracks in the mortar and brick surrounding chimneys with no liners can allow sparks and carbon monoxide to escape into your attic potentially causing a fire or putting your life at risk. 

For more information buying or selling real estate in Bothell contact Adrian Willanger 206 909-7536.