A WETT inspection documents the compliance and the condition of the parts of your system that can be accessed and seen at the time of the inspection. Some insurers may require a WETT inspection before they’ll insure a home with a wood-burning appliance.
Our team researched the following documents to answer your questions about WETT inspections for home insurance:
What Is a WETT Inspection?
A WETT-certified individual carries out a WETT inspection of your wood-burning appliance and venting system.
What WETT Does and Does Not Do
| WETT role | Not WETT’s role |
|---|---|
| Trains and certifies individuals in defined categories | WETT does not act as a regulator. |
| Provides the SITE inspection process and official report forms | Does not issue a universal pass, broad approval, or appliance-level certificate. |
| Lets consumers search for and verify certified professionals | Does not set one national insurance requirement, report lifespan or inspection price. |
| Defines what each inspection level includes | Does not guarantee future performance or insurer acceptance. |
WETT Inspection Levels: What’s the Difference?
| SITE level | Access and tools | Typical reason |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | Simple hand tools are allowed, such as a flashlight, mirror and measuring tape. Limited to readily accessible areas; do not remove panels. | Many insurance and real estate requests. |
| Technical | Accessible areas; may include ladders, attics, chimneys and parts removed with hand tools. | Subsequent evaluation is needed if there are concerns, changes, or an incomplete Visual inspection. |
| Invasive | May require invasive techniques such as opening a wall or chimney and using power or special tools to gain access to concealed areas. | Agree upon scope, consent, and any needed permits before an Invasive inspection, usually due to a known incident or unresolved concern. |
There is no separate Level 3 certification for these inspection levels. WETT professionals are certified by their designation, not by inspection level. For example, a SITE Comprehensive Inspector is qualified to conduct Visual, Technical, and Invasive WETT inspections.
How to Book the Right Inspection for Insurance
- Send the appliance type, fuel type, date of installation if known and copies of any old reports or repairs to your insurer.
- Ask the insurer to tell you in writing what SITE level it requires, the acceptable inspector designation, report requirements, photos, code edition and maximum age of the report.
- Give these requirements to your inspector. It’s OK to look for WETT logos or ads, but search the WETT directory to verify the individual.
- Tell your inspector about anything potentially problematic, such as smoke spillage, rapid creosote buildup, chimney fires or alterations.
- Ask about price, travel charges, how many systems are included, inspection level, report delivery time and the cost of re-inspection if repairs are required.
- Send the report to your insurance company and request written confirmation of acceptance and any repairs required.
Read More: Check if Your Insurer May Require a Home Inspection
How Much Does a WETT Inspection Cost?
WETT has no national price list for inspections. Costs vary based on distance, special equipment, the number of solid-fuel-burning systems, system accessibility, system type, additional services, the type of inspection, and whether a report is required.
Read More: Use the Canadian Home Maintenance Checklist
How Long Is a WETT Inspection Good For?
A WETT report simply describes the situation at the time the inspector came to look at your appliances or chimney. WETT inspection reports don’t have a set expiration date; the requesting party, such as a buyer or insurer, determines the timeframe and scope of the inspection they need.
If something happens with your system that would warrant a new inspection, such as changes to the system or chimney, chimney fire, creosote buildup at an unusually rapid rate, smoke spillage, or a strike to the chimney, you should have the system looked at again. Regular cleaning and maintenance differ from an inspection for insurance purposes.
Safety Problems Need a Different Response
Do not wait for your insurer’s representative to arrive. Leave immediately when a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get to a source of fresh air, then call 911 or your local emergency or fire service. Do not re-enter the home until the situation is fixed.
Have any fuel-burning appliance serviced annually by a competent service technician, or as recommended by the manufacturer, and have wood-burning fireplace chimneys swept each year, advises Health Canada.
Read More: Read the Home Fire Insurance Coverage Guide