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Does your chimney guy know more than the code official about chimneys?

By
Home Inspector with Ryan and Son Chimneys Contractors LLC

Over the past 2 weeks, I have been confronted twice by sellers who went with my buyers chimney inspection report to the township code official.

 

I was shocked and down right frustrated to find out that one of them contended my statements were false and the other mentioned grandfathering.

 

I am in a unique position.  I work as a chimney inspector, but I am also a Licensed Building Inspector in NJ.  I also taught the chimney portions of the code to the class I was in......after the instructor started, he looked at me and said....well....maybe you should do this.  

 

When I approached these gentlemen about their misleading, damaging and false statements, I made sure to show them how I arrived at such code references.  There were indeed both apoligetic and admitted they were wrong; but only to me. 

 

I am a unique breed.  I have a college degree but I work in an unrespected trade.  I uphold the highest standard in hopes that some day the entire chimney industry will come along and play by the rules.  Until then, I go to bed at night knowing that I do indeed have more knowledge on chimneys than many, if not most, code officials.  That downright saddens me. 

 

So if I am your chimney guy......the answer to the post title is YES.   If I am not.....well.....there are only a couple other options who actually know the code in my trade....

Posted by

Bill Ryan

Ryan and Son Chimneys Contractors

(973) 398-3978

Fireplace Investigation Research and Education Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector # FP-089

International Association of Fireplace and Inspectors Certified Professional Chimney Inspector # CPI-002

National Fireplace Institute Certifed Specialist in Wood and Gas

Residential and Commercial Structures ICC/NJ Certified Building Inspector (license pending)