Expert: James Ball - 12/29/2008

Question
I am under contract to purchase a home that was built 8 years ago.  It has a cultured stone-clad wood-framed chimney with two metal flues.  There's a wood burning stove in basement and a pre-fab fireplace on main floor.  I had a home inspector examine the property and he noted some concerns specifically related to the chimney.

The metal shroud on top of the chimney does not extend beyond the edge of the top of the chimney to divert water.  There is also some evidence of water pooling around where the flue pipes exit the cap.

I would like to have the seller replace/repair the caps including assuring that the appropriate framing is there to stop puddling.

While this repair is made, I would also like to have the sheathing and wood framing inside examined for damage.  

I also can't find evidence of flashing where the chimney meets the shingles of the roof and some concern that there is no flashing present where a deck abuts the chimney

My questions are as follows:
What type of professional(s) should be consulted for these exams and repairs?
Is this something I could require a seller to do?  What suggestion would you have for me to help ensure that the work done/corrections to be made will be done properly?

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hello Katie, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have and ask that your sweep do the work. this way they can do it and you will know no short cuts where taken.
Good luck in your new home and keep me posted
James