The Fix-It Playbook — Fireplace & Chimney Before the First Fire

The most dangerous fire of the season is often the first one — the one lit before anyone's checked what built up in the chimney since last spring.

Inside: What's actually inside a chimney · Three inspection levels, and which one you need · The before-the-first-fire checklist · The honest cost comparison · When to stop and call a pro · Troubleshooting · Printable before-the-first-fire checklist.

Doing it yourself: the visual ground-level and firebox checks are free; a flashlight is the only tool needed.
Calling a pro: a professional chimney sweep runs $129–381, averaging around $254; a Level 1 inspection runs $160–300.

5 pages of labeled diagrams, parts lists and real numbers — no filler, no 40-minute video. Temperatures and measurements in both Fahrenheit/Celsius and feet/meters, so it works wherever you are. Ends with a printable checklist.

Instant PDF download: print it for the garage or follow it on your phone with the parts in hand. Yours to keep, no subscription.

Need more than this one job? The Winter Safety Kit bundles all 5 winter safety guides — 24 pages — for $14.