Second Opinion On New Liner

[Ryan593]

(broken image removed) Greetings,
We had a real estate inspection on our chimney and discovered the chimney is not high enough and has a broken liner. We where advised a new liner could be installed and the chimney height raised for about $2000.
The problem is the foundation is failing and the chimney is held to the house with 3/8 lag bolts and steel brackets. It's a concrete block chimney. Amazingly The chimney inspector was not concerned. It's now in a real estate agreement that we have to use the same service to install a new liner or the deal is off. Any opinions? This all feels very shady. (broken image removed) (broken image removed)


(broken link removed to https://ryanpeltier.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hx26H5p/A)(broken image removed)

 

[begreen]

The system is no stronger than its weakest link. If the foundation is improper or on soft soil then I would start over, maybe with a metal chimney. What is connected to the chimney?

 

[Ryan593]

The system is no stronger than its weakest link. If the foundation is improper or on soft soil then I would start over, maybe with a metal chimney. What is connected to the chimney?

It's an older oil forced hot air furnace. I'm surprised a professional would even suggest putting a liner in. Seems like a very big liability.

 

[begreen]

Are you selling or buying? Did you accept these terms? If not, get more specific with your needs. It's obviously failing and very recently patched. If the chimney company is reputable then ask if they would apply the $2000 toward a metal replacement chimney instead of a liner.

 

[zrock]

Since it sounds like you are selling i would just remove the $2000 from the price and let the new home owner worry about it. What was the chimney inspector not concerned about the condition or the liner and short chimney? I would also call a inspector that is not associated with the real-instate company i would not trust one that is working hand in hand. First time iv ever heard of real-instate demanding you use a certain professional for work.

 

[blades]

sounds like you are the seller, If you have already accepted the offer and contingencies then you are stuck, but it is possible to weedle out but that might cost a fair sum for breach of contract. Is it just the chimney foundation that failing ? Seems to me someone had posted something along these lines a while back weather it was on this sight I do not remember. $2000 dosen't sound right for the scope of repairs. Heck at about that sum you can replace the furnace with a new one in the 90+% bracket and pipe out the side wall with plastic.

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

sounds like you are the seller, If you have already accepted the offer and contingencies then you are stuck, but it is possible to weedle out but that might cost a fair sum for breach of contract. Is it just the chimney foundation that failing ? Seems to me someone had posted something along these lines a while back weather it was on this sight I do not remember. $2000 dosen't sound right for the scope of repairs. Heck at about that sum you can replace the furnace with a new one in the 90+% bracket and pipe out the side wall with plastic.

What furnace brands would you recommend. I have a similar situation, except it's an old natural gas "boiler" heater, and I would love to tear the chimney down.

 

[blades]

Sorry I do know much about the small package boiler types. Really haven't had to deal with a boiler system for some 30+ years. Basics of the burner itself, I would think ,follow the same lines as the forced air units for NG / CNG/LPG.

 

[CaptSpiff]

It's an older oil forced hot air furnace. I'm surprised a professional would even suggest putting a liner in. Seems like a very big liability.

I agree with others above and would propose a cash agreement with the buyer.
That existing chimney is a mess from foundation to attachment to top. Who built that dormer section and failed to extend the chimney height? I know that dormer doesn't predate the chimney.
Is Nat Gas available in the area? How are propane prices? If OK, I'd go with a new super efficient gas furnace with plastic exhaust piping (no more chimney).
If Oil is the only option, I'd tear down and replace with a stainless steel pipe chimney, no foundation needed. If you don't like the look you can build a chase.
I would stay away from getting the "town" inspectors on site. They are likely to place a condemnation notice on the chimney setup and triple your pain.