WETT  / Wood Fireplace / Stove Inspection - Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Shuswap

A WETT inspection is a professional evaluation of wood-burning appliances, including stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys, performed by a WETT-certified inspector. The inspection ensures your system is installed safely, operates correctly, and meets building codes and insurance requirements. Inspectors check for proper clearances, venting, structural integrity, and any fire hazards. WETT inspections are essential for protecting your home, maintaining efficiency, and providing peace of mind when using solid-fuel heating systems.

Many insurance companies in British Columbia require a WETT inspection before they will provide coverage for wood-burning appliances. Any unit that is made with metal will almost always require a WETT Inspection. Masonry units are 50/50 depending on the specific insurance company. A certified report shows that your stove, fireplace, or chimney is safely installed and maintained, helping to reduce fire risks and ensuring your insurance remains valid. Whether you’re installing a new appliance, moving into a home with an existing system, or transferring coverage, a WETT inspection is often a necessary step.

WETT SITE inspections are categorized into three levels based on the complexity and condition of your wood-burning system:

• Level 1 (Visual): A basic visual check of all accessible components.
• Level 2 (Technical): Includes functional tests and inspections of some concealed areas.
• Level 3 (Invasive): A thorough inspection requiring removal of panels or access to hidden components.

The appropriate level depends on the age, type, and condition of your appliance, as well as insurance or code requirements.

The cost of a WETT inspection depends on the level required, the type of appliance, and the system’s complexity. Level 1 (visual) inspections are generally the most affordable, while Level 2 and Level 3 inspections require more time and detail, increasing the cost. Contact At Ease Property Inspections in Kelowna for a tailored quote based on your stove, fireplace, or chimney setup.

After a WETT inspection, you will receive a detailed written report that includes the inspector’s certification number, all findings, photos, and any recommendations for repairs or maintenance. The report clearly explains what was inspected, whether it meets current code, and what actions may be needed to keep your wood-burning system safe. This document can be submitted to your insurance provider and kept for your records.

A WETT inspection report represents the condition of your system at the time of inspection. Since chimneys and appliances can deteriorate over time, periodic re-inspections are recommended. Typically, insurance providers suggest updating the report every 1–5 years depending on appliance use and local regulations. At Ease Property Inspections can advise you on the appropriate inspection schedule for your system.

WETT inspections are especially important in the Okanagan and Thompson-Nicola regions because many homes rely on wood-burning appliances for primary or supplemental heat. Rural properties, lake homes, acreages, and older cabins often have wood stoves or fireplaces that may not meet modern code or insurance requirements. These regions also experience dry summers and elevated wildfire risks, making proper installation and safe operation of wood-burning systems critical for home safety.

A certified WETT inspection ensures your system is venting properly, installed correctly, and free from conditions that could contribute to chimney fires or carbon monoxide issues. Insurance providers in BC frequently require a WETT inspection when purchasing a home or updating policies, so a proper report helps protect both your home and your coverage.

While every system is unique, several issues appear frequently in WETT inspections across Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and surrounding areas:

• Improper clearances between stoves, chimneys, and combustible materials
• Chimney or flue deterioration, including cracked tiles, rust, or creosote buildup
• Uncertified or outdated appliances that no longer meet current standards
• Improper hearth protection (hearth too small, wrong materials, missing ember protection)
• Incorrect venting, such as improper pipe connections or excessive horizontal runs
• Creosote accumulation, especially in seasonally used cabins or recreational properties
• DIY installations not completed to code
• Moisture damage around chimneys due to flashing or roof penetration issues

These issues can create fire hazards or insurance non-compliance. Your inspection identifies these concerns clearly and provides actionable recommendations to bring the system up to standard.

Local experience matters because wood-burning appliances behave differently depending on climate, elevation, age of construction, and regional installation trends. Homes in the Okanagan Valley, Salmon Arm, and Kamloops regions vary widely — from early 1900s log homes and ski chalets to lake cabins and modern urban infill homes.

• Regional installation patterns (older masonry chimneys, long flue runs)
• Effects of wind, elevation, and temperature swings on draft performance
• Local insurance expectations unique to BC and the Okanagan
• Common builder practices and DIY modifications in rural areas
• Wood sourcing and burning habits common to the region

A regional expert not only inspects but also provides advice that actually fits the local heating realities homeowners deal with.

Level 1 — Visual Inspection: A basic overview of accessible components with no disassembly. Typically used for insurance.

Level 2 — Technical Inspection: A more detailed review that may require limited disassembly or tool use.

Level 3 — Invasive Inspection: Removal of building materials to evaluate concealed components.

Most homeowners, buyers, and insurance companies typically require a Level 1 (Visual) SITE® Inspection. However, higher levels may be recommended if damage, access limitations, fire events, modifications, or missing documentation are present.