ᐅ District chimney inspector refuses to clean the interior

Dear forum,

We are currently having significant issues with our local chimney inspector, who refuses to allow our planned chimney for the fireplace to be cleaned from the inside through an access hatch. He insists on access from the outside or through a skylight. However, this would mean additional costs of 4,000 to 5,000 euros.

Is it legally permissible for him to insist on this? Are there any options to appeal or file a complaint about this?

Looking forward to your feedback!

Why can’t he climb the ladder to the roof?
Taking on a demigod in black? You can try, but I think you’ll come out worse.

I would prefer if our cleaning access were not located in the living area. Our chimney is about 20 years old, and a lot of dirt comes out when it is swept. I cover half the room with old sheets to avoid having to clean up the soot.

Hello, I can relate! Our chimney sweep shows up at the most inconvenient times, opens the hatch, and sweeps out.

It is, of course, also a kind of simplification of the process.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

We are currently having major issues with our local chimney sweep, who refuses to clean our planned chimney for our fireplace from the inside through a maintenance hatch.

Maybe it should be said: an external access was forgotten in your case, which is not acceptable.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:

He insists on having an access.

Yes, definitely.
I would not underestimate these professionals, their craft, or their responsibilities.
There is no valid argument, no lawyer, and no objection that can change this.
The principle is: if I want an extra feature, then I have to pay for all the related work around it.
From my experience, a general contractor usually offers a full chimney package including a roof hatch, etc.

What about a pressure monitor in your case? Do you need one because of an installed mechanical ventilation with heat recovery?

You have complete freedom to choose. Find another chimney sweep.

I also don’t have external access. However, my chimney sweep didn’t have any issues with that.