Roof and Chimney Issue with Inspector and Contractor

[Brandon V.]

Hi All,

So I recently had a roof replaced that had two chimneys.  I had several quotes and many of them said it needed to be done and redecked and that the two chimneys should be removed as well because that is easier and better for future leaks, etc.  Well the lovely West Allis, WI inspector comes in and says well those chimney need to be put back or properly abandoned down to the basement.  The contractors only took off the chimney from the roof.  So basically he said I have two options: rebuild the chimneys or demo the chimneys all the way down to the basement and so it would it would require going through all four units.  What do you guys suggest I do or has anyone run into this problem?  Is there some way I can go above the inspector or get a new inspector?  Should I be the one paying the additional $7000 to rebuild the two chimneys, or it's really on the contractor right?  Is this an insurance type claim?  I called the contractor and he said it is very ridiculous as the gas appliances are property vented to the exterior now without using the chimney and the chimney is no longer being used.  The inspector says well in the future, If I sell the property, someone might be able to hook up appliances to the chimney and cause carbon monoxide issues.

Thanks,

Brandon