Is this chimney quote fair?
Chimney work is mostly invisible from the ground, which makes it easy to oversell and hard to judge. A fair quote names the problem, shows it to you, and prices each fix separately.
On this page
What a fair quote includes
- The problem, described in plain words, with a photo or video of it.
- Each repair as its own line: sweep, cap, crown, repointing (by area or courses), flashing, liner (type, grade, length, insulation), waterproofing.
- Materials named: stainless or galvanized, the liner brand and whether it is listed for your appliance.
- Who pulls any permit, and whether that is in the price.
- Cleanup and haul-off, and what happens if they find more once they start.
Compare against published ranges
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney sweeping | $135 to $393, about $274 average | Homeyou, Jul 2026 |
| Chimney sweep (second source) | $130 to $380, about $255 average | Bob Vila citing Angi, Oct 2023 |
| Level 1 inspection | $85 to $950 | Bob Vila, Oct 2023 |
| Level 2 inspection (camera) | $150 to $1,000 | Bob Vila, Oct 2023 |
| Level 3 inspection | $500 to $5,000 | Bob Vila, Oct 2023 |
| Chimney repair, typical job | $250 to $1,200, about $750 average | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Crown repair | $750 to $1,000 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Chimney cap repair | $100 to $250 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Flashing repair | $200 to $300 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Repointing or tuckpointing | $500 to $2,500 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Chimney liner replacement | $1,200 to $4,600 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Chimney rebuild | $500 to $4,000 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Sealing or waterproofing | $150 to $500 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
National published ranges, not San Antonio averages. A price well outside them should come with a reason.
Common upsells to question
- A full reline on a chimney you barely use, without camera footage of cracked tiles.
- A full rebuild when the damage is only in the top few courses.
- Waterproofing as the fix for a leak before the flashing and crown have been checked.
- "Must be done today." Unless there was a chimney fire or the flue is blocked, nothing about a chimney repair is that urgent. Stop using the fireplace and get a second quote.
Questions to ask
- Can you show me the photo or footage of this?
- What happens if I don't fix it this year?
- Is this the repair, or a repair plus something optional?
- Can I have this in writing to compare?
Questions San Antonio homeowners ask
How do I know if a chimney sweep is ripping me off?
Ask for photos of the problem and a written, itemized price, then get a second quote. A low-price sweep followed by heavy pressure to approve a big repair on the spot is the pattern to watch for.
Should I get more than one chimney quote?
For any repair beyond a sweep or a cap, yes. Prices vary a lot, and a second chimney company may see the problem differently.
Is it normal for a chimney sweep to find problems?
It is common, especially on older chimneys. The test is whether they can show you the problem and price the fix in writing.
Sources
- Fixr: Chimney Repair Cost (updated January 31, 2025)
- Homeyou: Chimney Sweeping Cost (updated July 23, 2026)
- Bob Vila: How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost (updated October 6, 2023; cites Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr)
- FTC Consumer Advice: Home Repair Scams
- NFPA 211 (2026 cycle) committee input, Chapter 15: Inspection of Existing Chimneys, Levels I to III