Chimney sweeps clean and inspect chimneys, flues, fireplaces, wood stoves, and venting for homeowners, landlords, and property managers. Invoices usually cover a cleaning, an inspection at one of the standard levels, and any minor repairs or installed parts such as caps, dampers, or screens. Most work is done solo or with one helper, and the bulk of it falls in late summer through early winter.
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Most sweeps charge a flat fee per appliance or flue for a standard cleaning, with an inspection fee added or bundled in. Inspections are priced by level (Level 1, 2, or 3 under the NFPA 211 standard), and a Level 2 camera scan is common when a home is being sold or a fuel type or appliance has changed. Repairs and installs are priced as parts plus labor, with a markup on materials such as caps, dampers, crown sealant, and liner components. Extras are billed on top of the base fee: heavily glazed creosote removal, rooftop access for tall or steep roofs, drop cloths and extra cleanup for gas or pellet units, and travel outside your service area. Many shops set a minimum service charge to cover the truck roll, and some offer annual maintenance plans that lock in a yearly sweep at a slightly lower price.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard chimney sweep (fireplace, one flue) | flat fee | $150-350 |
| Wood stove or insert cleaning | flat fee | $150-300 |
| Level 1 inspection (often bundled with sweep) | flat fee | $75-150 |
| Level 2 inspection with camera scan | flat fee | $200-500 |
| Creosote or glaze removal (Stage 2-3) | per flue | $150-600 |
| Chimney cap install | per cap, installed | $150-500 |
| Crown repair or waterproofing | flat fee | $250-1,000 |
| Animal or nest removal | per visit | $100-400 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney sweep, masonry fireplace, single flue | 1 flue | $225.00 | $225.00 |
| Level 1 inspection with written findings | 1 flat fee | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Stainless steel chimney cap with mesh, supplied and installed | 1 each | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Smoke chamber and damper cleaning, glaze treatment | 1 flat fee | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Damper replacement hardware | 1 each | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Total | $810.00 | ||
Notes: Service date 10/14. Findings: light creosote, damper seals poorly, crown has hairline cracks and should be sealed within the year. Payment due on completion. Card, check, or cash accepted. Recommended next sweep: October of next year or after 1 cord of wood burned.
Homes often have several flues, a fireplace, and a stove. Naming each one prevents disputes and creates a record for insurance.
Insurers, home buyers, and code officials ask which level was done. It also justifies the price difference.
A short summary of what you found backs up extra charges for glaze removal and supports your repair recommendations.
Caps, dampers, liners, and sealants carry warranties, and customers need to know what was installed.
Many insurers and some municipalities want proof that a certified sweep did the work. Check your local rules on licensing.
Annual sweeps are expected. A recorded date helps the customer remember and brings repeat business.
Linking images to the invoice protects you if a customer later disputes the condition of the flue.
Most residential sweeps collect payment on the day of service, by card, check, or cash, and send the invoice by email or print it on site. For repairs or installs over a few hundred dollars, a deposit of 25 to 50 percent is common, mostly to cover parts. Commercial, landlord, and property manager accounts usually get net 15 or net 30 terms. Many shops add a late fee, often 1.5 percent per month, if stated in writing on the estimate or invoice. Real estate inspection jobs are often paid at the time of the inspection or by the agent or buyer before the report is released.
Even if you bundle them for a discount, list both. If the customer later wants only a sweep, or a buyer needs a Level 2, the pricing is already clear.
Take photos of the firebox, damper, and flue condition before cleaning. Cracked flue tiles or missing mortar are often found during work, and a record protects you if the customer assumes you caused the damage.
Drive time, setup, drop cloths, and vacuum cleanup take the same effort whether the flue is small or large. A stated minimum keeps tiny jobs from losing money.
Booking next year's sweep at the time of service smooths out the seasonal rush. Put the next service date on the invoice so it is easy to follow up.
If you find damage mid-job, stop and get approval in writing, even by text, for the added cost. Then invoice repairs as separate line items with parts and labor.
Most sweeps charge per flue or per appliance because each one takes separate setup and cleaning. Add a minimum visit charge so that single-flue jobs far from your base still cover your costs.
Yes, if you say so up front. List standard cleaning as the base price and note that glazed or Stage 3 creosote requires special tools and time and will be billed as an added line. Show the extra on the invoice with a short explanation.
Bill it as its own line with the camera scan included, and note that it is for a property transfer. Provide the written report and video or images with the invoice. Real estate buyers and agents often want this for their records.
It depends on your state. Some states tax services, some tax only parts and materials, and some tax neither. Check with your state revenue department and list tax separately on the invoice when it applies.
Note the recommendation and the customer's refusal on the invoice, and have them initial or acknowledge it if possible. This protects you if a problem comes up later.
Send a Chimney Sweep estimate for approval, then turn it into an invoice when the work is done.
Chimney Sweep estimate template