How do I read a home inspection report?

Start by looking at the summary section, which lists the most critical findings. Focus on safety hazards first (electrical, structural, water intrusion), then major system issues (roof, HVAC, plumbing), and finally maintenance items. Viorly can analyze your report automatically and prioritize findings for you — just upload the PDF.

What are red flags in a home inspection?

Common red flags include moisture intrusion and water damage (especially in crawl spaces and basements), aging or damaged sewer lines (pre-1970s homes often have clay or Orangeburg pipes), foundation settling or cracks, roof deterioration, outdated electrical panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), and signs of pest damage. Which issues matter most varies by region and climate — Viorly's analysis accounts for both.

How much do home inspection repairs cost?

Repair costs vary widely by issue and by region. Typical national ranges: roof replacement ($8,000–$25,000), sewer line replacement ($5,000–$15,000), foundation repair ($3,000–$15,000), HVAC replacement ($5,000–$12,000), electrical panel upgrade ($1,500–$4,000). Viorly provides cost estimates localized to your home's area when you upload your inspection report.

What is a home inspection report analysis tool?

A home inspection report analysis tool uses AI to read your inspection report PDF and extract the key findings, prioritize them by severity, and estimate repair costs. Viorly is a free analysis tool for home buyers anywhere in the U.S. — it turns your complex inspection report into a clear action plan with local repair costs and vetted contractor recommendations for your area.

Is Viorly free to use?

Yes, Viorly is completely free. You can upload your home inspection report and get a full analysis — including prioritized findings, repair cost estimates, and a maintenance calendar — without creating an account or paying anything.

How do I negotiate repairs after a home inspection?

After receiving your inspection report, identify the most significant issues (safety hazards, major system failures, expensive repairs) and request that the seller either fix them before closing, provide a credit toward closing costs, or reduce the purchase price. Focus on items that are genuine defects rather than cosmetic preferences. Having clear repair cost estimates strengthens your negotiating position.

How much does a chimney sweep cost?

$200 to $500 for a sweep and level 1 inspection on a standard wood-burning fireplace. Multiple flues, a wood stove insert or heavy glazed creosote push it toward the top.

The sweep says I need a new flue liner for $3,000 or more. Really?

Sometimes. Cracked or missing flue tiles are a real fire risk and a stainless liner is the standard fix ($1,500 to $5,000). Ask for the camera footage and get a second sweep's opinion before a job that size.

Yes, less often. Gas burns clean but the flue still needs checking for blockages and the venting for corrosion, every two to three years.

What does a chimney sweep cost?

An annual sweep and inspection for a wood-burning fireplace, the thing that prevents most chimney fires. Here is the range, what a level 1 inspection includes, and what the follow-up quotes mean.

Call a contractor

Hire a pro

$200 to $500

typical in the US, before local labor differences

Do it yourself

Not this one

licensed or specialized work

A certified chimney sweep (CSIA or similar), once a year if you burn wood, once every two or three years for a gas log set. The visit is a sweep of the flue plus a level 1 visual inspection, and it is cheap relative to what it finds: cracked flue tiles, a missing cap, a damper that does not close. Expect the sweep to recommend something; the question is whether the recommendation comes with photos.

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Free, no account for the first question. The advisor knows your home's age, systems and region.

Why it costs what it costs

Flue height and condition: a tall two-storey flue with heavy creosote takes longer, and glazed creosote needs chemical treatment or a rotary tool.
Inspection level: a level 1 look is included; a level 2 with a camera ($200 to $500) is called for after a chimney fire, before a sale, or when changing the appliance.
Access: a steep or high roof, or a sweep that must be done from inside, adds time.

When to stop and call someone

Every year before the first fire of the season, which is why October and November book out.
Smoke coming into the room, a strong smell in summer, or bits of black flakes in the firebox.
After any chimney fire, even a small one you put out yourself: the flue needs a camera look before it is used again.

Questions people ask

How much does a chimney sweep cost?: $200 to $500 for a sweep and level 1 inspection on a standard wood-burning fireplace. Multiple flues, a wood stove insert or heavy glazed creosote push it toward the top.
The sweep says I need a new flue liner for $3,000 or more. Really?: Sometimes. Cracked or missing flue tiles are a real fire risk and a stainless liner is the standard fix ($1,500 to $5,000). Ask for the camera footage and get a second sweep's opinion before a job that size.
Gas fireplace too?: Yes, less often. Gas burns clean but the flue still needs checking for blockages and the venting for corrosion, every two to three years.

What would it cost at your house?

Ranges above are national. Ask about your own home, or paste the quote you were given and we check it against the range. Free, no account for the first question.

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Published 2026-10-29. Source: Viorly's repair cost database, the same numbers behind its inspection report analysis and advisor. The DIY figure is parts at retail; the pro range is before local labor differences. Lowest listed price is $200.