Expert: James Ball - 3/12/2010

Question
I am selling a home built in 1770.  I believe the original chimney is intact and works fine.  My question is -- the inspector said that we need to have the chimney lined and dampers put in the 5 fireplaces.  Is there any rule for "grandfathering" in these great examples of 18th century architecture?  Do we need to put in a liner, by code, if chimney is in good condition?

Answer
Hello Elisabeth, a "Chimney in good condition" is a very broad term as far as "code" check your local building department I would never tell any one to use a chimney that was not inspected and lined.  
Keep in mind a chimney built in 1770 has been used quite a bit ( was it built right in the first place? and for some one to use them safely they should be up to as current a code as possible.
you can 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 they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James