Fireplace – NRTC?

What does this “not represented to code” or NRTC mean?

This is often in the listing information describing a property. In the mid-‘90’s, a home buyer successfully sued the seller and the realtors involved in the transaction after closing because although the fireplace had been used safely for many years, the firebox was about 2 inches smaller in depth than the current code requirement. Not long after, the Board of Realtors adopted a policy that all fireplaces will be sold “as is” whether they are 1 year old or 100 years old.

The most critical thing to do if a home you are considering has a fireplace is to actually bring in a chimney sweep or other similar professional who can give a recommendation regarding safety and your ability to use it after purchase. In most cases, you will not be able to rely on your home inspector for this because they will usually mark on their report that they are unable to examine and they will recommend calling a chimney sweep or similar professional.