Highland, IN
Chimney Sweep & Inspection Services in Highland, IN
Your Trusted Local Chimney Experts in Highland, IN
Chimney Bear provides expert chimney sweep, inspection, and repair services in Highland, IN, ensuring your chimney system’s safety, efficiency, and longevity. Our team of certified chimney professionals follows industry best practices and the latest safety standards to protect your home from fire hazards and improve energy efficiency.
As a local chimney company, we proudly serve homeowners in all Chicagoland areas. Whether you need chimney cleaning, camera inspections, repairs, or gas fireplace maintenance, our expert technicians are ready to deliver top-tier service with transparent reporting.
Why Chimney Maintenance is Essential
A well-maintained chimney is vital for home safety, proper ventilation, and heating efficiency. Regular chimney sweeping helps:
Reduce fire risks by removing creosote and soot buildup.
Enhance indoor air quality by preventing smoke and carbon monoxide issues.
Improve energy efficiency by ensuring proper airflow and draft performance.
Prevent costly repairs by catching minor issues before they escalate.
Neglecting chimney maintenance can lead to dangerous conditions like fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and structural damage. Over time, soot and creosote accumulate, increasing the risk of fire hazards. Regular inspections help detect problems early, saving you from expensive repairs and ensuring the safety of your household.
Comprehensive Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Services
Chimney Sweeping & Fireplace Cleaning
Our professional chimney cleaning services in Highland, IN, help homeowners maintain safe, efficient fireplaces by removing:
Creosote buildup – the primary cause of chimney fires.
Soot and debris – preventing blockages and ensuring proper airflow.
Animal nests and obstructions – keeping your chimney clear and functional.
Routine chimney sweeping is essential for maintaining optimal airflow and reducing the risk of hazardous blockages. Birds, squirrels, and other animals often seek refuge in chimneys, leading to potential nesting problems. Our thorough cleaning eliminates all obstructions, ensuring your fireplace functions safely and efficiently.
Fireplace Chimney Camera Inspections
Using advanced chimney camera technology, our inspections detect:
Cracks in the flue liner – preventing dangerous gas leaks.
Hidden blockages – from birds, leaves, and debris.
Structural issues – that compromise chimney safety.
A professional camera inspection provides a detailed view of your chimney’s condition. Our high-definition camera system lets us identify even the most minor cracks or obstructions, ensuring your fireplace is safe. This proactive approach prevents costly damage and enhances the overall performance of your chimney system.
Gas & Oil Appliance Chimney Inspections
If you have gas or oil appliances (water heaters, boilers, or furnaces), our appliance chimney inspections ensure safe venting and prevent:
Carbon monoxide leaks – a silent, deadly risk.
Improper airflow – affecting efficiency and performance.
Blockages – that could cause dangerous gas buildup.
Gas appliances require efficient venting systems to expel harmful gases safely. A faulty chimney can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, endangering your household. Our certified professionals conduct thorough inspections to detect and resolve any potential venting issues.
Digital Chimney Inspection Reports
Every chimney inspection includes a detailed digital report with photos and professional recommendations, ensuring transparency and helping you make informed decisions about chimney maintenance.
Our digital reporting system clearly and concisely documents your chimney’s condition. High-quality images and expert assessments allow you to understand any necessary repairs or maintenance recommendations. Transparency is a priority at Chimney Bear, ensuring you are fully aware of the state of your chimney.
Chimney Repair & Restoration Services in Highland, IN
Chimney Cap Installation
Protect your chimney from rain, animals, and debris with a stainless steel rain cap that prevents moisture damage and animal intrusions.
Moisture intrusion is one of the leading causes of chimney deterioration. Rainwater can seep into the flue without a chimney cap, leading to rust, cracks, and weakened mortar joints. Installing a high-quality stainless steel chimney cap prevents costly water damage and extends the lifespan of your chimney system.
Lock-Top Damper Installation
A top-sealing damper reduces heat loss, prevents downdrafts, and blocks moisture, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Traditional throat dampers are often inefficient, allowing heat to escape during winter. A lock-top damper seals tightly when the fireplace is not in use, preventing drafts and enhancing energy efficiency. By retaining heat indoors, homeowners can lower their heating bills and enjoy a more comfortable living space.
Flue Liner Inspection & Repair
A damaged flue liner can lead to gas leaks and fire hazards. We offer:
Stainless steel liner repairs – ensuring longevity and safety.
The chimney is relined to restore proper venting and performance.
The flue liner is crucial to chimney safety, channeling harmful gases out of your home. Cracks or deterioration in the liner can lead to toxic fume exposure. Our expert relining services restore proper venting and protect your chimney from further damage.
FireGuard Resurfacing
FireGuard resurfacing repairs damaged mortar joints, preventing chimney fires and improving your chimney’s structural integrity.
A deteriorating chimney structure can compromise safety and efficiency. Our FireGuard resurfacing solutions reinforce weak mortar joints, ensuring your chimney remains in excellent condition for years.
Smoke Chamber Repair & Parging
Improve draft performance and prevent smoke leaks with expert smoke chamber parging, sealing gaps, and enhancing airflow.
A poorly constructed or deteriorating smoke chamber can lead to inefficient draft performance, causing smoke to enter your home instead of venting correctly. Our parging services smooth the smoke chamber’s surface, improving the performance of draft efficiency and overall chimney.
Chase Cover Replacement
A stainless steel chase cover prevents water penetration, extending your chimney’s lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Tuckpointing & Mortar Repair
Cracked mortar joints can lead to water damage and structural deterioration. Our expert tuckpointing services restore your chimney’s strength and appearance.
Gas Fireplace Services in Highland, IN
Gas Log Installation
Upgrade your fireplace with a professional gas log installation, enhancing warmth, convenience, and energy efficiency.
Gas Log Refresh & Maintenance
Ensure your gas fireplace remains clean and efficient with:
Cleaning services to remove dust and residue.
Silica sand replacement for optimal flame performance.
Ember wool updates for a realistic fireplace glow.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
A clogged dryer vent is a serious fire hazard. Our professional dryer vent cleaning removes lint buildup, ensuring:
Improved dryer efficiency – reducing drying times and energy costs.
Lower fire risk – by preventing overheating and lint ignition.
Better air quality – eliminating potential mold and dust accumulation.
Schedule Your Chimney Service in Highland, IN, Today!
How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Highland, IN
Transferring a real estate title in Highland, Indiana, is a legally important step that officially documents the change in property ownership. Whether selling a house, gifting property to a family member, managing an inheritance, or transferring ownership after a divorce, properly executing and recording the transfer ensures that the new owner is legally recognized and protects both parties.
Highland is in Lake County, Indiana, governed by state laws and county-specific recording procedures. This guide offers a complete, SEO-optimized overview of transferring a real estate title in Highland, including the required documents, forms, taxes, and helpful links to county and state agencies.
What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?
A real estate title transfer is the legal process of conveying ownership of real property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee) through a written document called a deed. The transfer becomes official only after the deed is recorded with the Lake County Recorder's Office.
Title transfers are required in a variety of situations:
Property sales
Gifts to family members
Transfers due to divorce or marriage
Inheritance through a will or trust
Transfers to or from a business entity or trust
Why Title Transfers Are Important
A properly executed and recorded title transfer:
Establishes legal ownership of the property
Updates public records with the correct owner
Ensures accurate property tax billing
Allows the new owner to obtain title insurance
Protects against future legal claims or disputes
Without a recorded transfer, the new owner may be unable to refinance, insure, or sell the property.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Real Estate Title in Highland, IN
Step 1: Determine the Nature of the Transfer
The first step is identifying the reason for the title transfer. This will impact the type of deed you use and whether any taxes or exemptions apply.
Common scenarios include:
A property sale
A gift of property to a child or spouse
Property transfer after a divorce
Inheritance following a death
Moving property into or out of a trust or LLC
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Type of Deed
Indiana law recognizes several types of deeds for real estate transactions. Your situation will determine which one to use.
Common Deed Types in Indiana:
General Warranty Deed: This deed provides the highest level of protection to the grantee and is commonly used in traditional home sales.
Special Warranty Deed: Offers limited guarantees covering only the period the grantor owned the property.
Quitclaim Deed: Offers no guarantees. Used for transfers between family members, in divorce, or to correct title issues.
Transfer on Death Deed (TODD): Transfers property automatically to a named beneficiary upon the grantor's death, avoiding probate.
For legal accuracy, consider hiring a real estate attorney or title company to draft or review the deed.
Step 3: Prepare the Deed
A properly drafted deed must include:
The grantor and grantee’s full legal names and addresses
The legal description of the property (not just the street address)
The parcel number (can be found via the Lake County Assessor)
The date of transfer
The consideration amount (the sale price or declared value)
A statement indicating who prepared the deed
The grantor’s signature, notarized
You can find the legal description and parcel number through the Lake County Assessor:
Lake County Assessor
https://www.lakecountyin.org/assessor
Step 4: Complete the Indiana Sales Disclosure Form (SDF)
All real estate title transfers in Indiana require a Sales Disclosure Form (SDF), even if no money is exchanged. The form must be approved and stamped by the Lake County Assessor’s Office before you can record the deed.
You can complete the form online via the Indiana Gateway SDF Portal:
https://gateway.ifionline.org/sdf
Information required includes:
Parcel Number
Property address
Grantor and grantee details
Transfer type (sale, gift, inheritance, etc.)
Consideration amount or fair market value
Property classification (residential, commercial, etc.)
After submission, print the completed form and bring it to the Assessor’s Office for review and stamping.
Step 5: Verify Property Taxes Are Paid
Before recording the deed, confirm that all property taxes have been paid. Unpaid taxes can delay the title transfer or place a lien on the property.
Check the status of property taxes with the Lake County Treasurer:
Lake County Treasurer
https://www.lakecounty.in.gov/245/Treasurer
You may also contact the Town of Highland Utility Office to verify that there are no outstanding utility balances:
Town of Highland
https://www.highland.in.gov
Step 6: Record the Deed with the Lake County Recorder
After the deed is notarized and the SDF has been approved, you must record the deed with the Lake County Recorder's Office.
Lake County Recorder
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 755-3730
Website: https://www.lakecountyin.org/recorder
Options to Record:
In-person
By mail
Online through an authorized e-recording vendor (used by title companies)
Required documents:
Original notarized deed
Stamped Sales Disclosure Form (SDF)
Recording fee payment
Fees (subject to change):
$25 for the first page
$5 for each additional page
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive your recorded deed by mail.
Step 7: Notify Interested Parties
Once the deed is recorded, notify all relevant parties:
Mortgage lender, if the property has a loan
Homeowners insurance provider
Title insurance company
Lake County Assessor’s Office, to update tax records
Town of Highland, to update municipal records and utility accounts
Updating records ensures the new owner receives all tax bills, utility notices, and legal correspondence related to the property.
Special Title Transfer Situations in Highland, IN
Inheritance and Estate Transfers
If the property owner is deceased, the title transfer process depends on how the property was owned:
1. Transfer on Death Deed (TODD)
If the deceased recorded a TODD, the named beneficiary automatically becomes the owner after presenting a death certificate and affidavit.
2. Living Trust
The trustee can transfer ownership using trust documents if the property is held in a living trust.
3. Probate Court
The property must go through probate if neither a TODD nor trust exists. The court will appoint a personal representative to execute the deed.
Indiana Probate Self-Help Resources:
https://www.in.gov/judiciary/self-service/probate
Divorce Transfers
In a divorce, even if the court awards property to one spouse, a Quitclaim Deed must still be executed and recorded to change ownership in public records officially.
Steps:
Prepare the Quitclaim Deed
Complete the Sales Disclosure Form
Record the deed with the Lake County Recorder
Consult a family law attorney to ensure the transfer complies with divorce agreements.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Title?
The title transfer process can take as little as 3 to 10 business days if all documents are in order and taxes are paid. However, it can take several weeks if:
The property is in probate
There are errors in the deed
Taxes or utilities are unpaid
Estimated Costs of Title Transfer in Highland, IN
Deed preparation: $150–$500 (attorney/title company)
Sales Disclosure Form: Free to file
Recording fee: $25–$50, depending on number of pages
Title insurance (optional): Varies by policy
Legal fees (if probate/divorce involved): Varies
Indiana does not charge a state transfer tax, making title transfers more affordable than in other states.
Helpful Resources for Highland Property Owners
Lake County Recorder:
https://www.lakecountyin.org/recorderLake County Assessor:
https://www.lakecountyin.org/assessorLake County Treasurer:
https://www.lakecounty.in.gov/245/TreasurerSales Disclosure Form Portal:
https://gateway.ifionline.org/sdfTown of Highland, Indiana:
https://www.highland.in.govIndiana Probate Information:
https://www.in.gov/judiciary/self-service/probateIndiana Title Standards:
https://www.inbar.org/page/RETitleStandards
Final Thoughts
Transferring a real estate title in Highland, IN requires attention to detail and compliance with state and county regulations. Whether you are transferring a title due to a sale, gift, inheritance, or divorce, the essential steps include choosing the correct deed, completing the Sales Disclosure Form, verifying that taxes are paid, and recording the deed with the Lake County Recorder.
By following this step-by-step process, you can ensure a smooth, legally valid title transfer that protects both the grantor and the grantee. For complex transactions—such as probate transfers, trust distributions, or legal disputes—it is strongly recommended that you work with a qualified real estate attorney or title company.
The Coolest Thing in Highland, Indiana: Wicker Memorial Park
Highland, Indiana, a charming town in Lake County, offers residents and visitors a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and vibrant community life. Wicker Memorial Park is a true gem among its many attractions, embodying the town's commitment to recreation, conservation, and community engagement. This expansive park is a central hub for outdoor activities, cultural events, and environmental stewardship, making it the most incredible destination in Highland.
A Historical Landmark with Modern Appeal
Established in 1927 and dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge, Wicker Memorial Park spans 226 acres. Over the decades, it has evolved to meet the community's changing needs while preserving its historical significance. The park combines rich history with contemporary amenities, offering a space where tradition and modernity coexist.
Diverse Recreational Facilities
Wicker Memorial Park boasts a wide array of facilities designed to cater to individuals of all ages and interests:
18-Hole Golf Course: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a meticulously maintained course that provides both challenge and scenic beauty. The course includes a driving range and offers competitive rates, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels.
Walking and Biking Trails: Meandering trails wind through the park's lush landscapes, offering walkers, joggers, and cyclists picturesque routes for exercise and relaxation. These trails connect to broader regional networks, encouraging extended exploration.
Sports Courts: The park features tennis and sand volleyball courts, accommodating various recreational sports. These courts serve as venues for local leagues and tournaments, fostering a spirit of teamwork and healthy competition.
Playgrounds: Modern playgrounds equipped with safe and engaging equipment provide children with spaces to play and socialize, promoting physical activity and community bonding.
Splash Pad: During warmer months, the splash pad offers a refreshing escape for children and families, enhancing the park's appeal as a summer destination.
Dog Park: Pet owners can take advantage of a dedicated dog park, allowing their furry companions to socialize and exercise in a safe environment.
Picnic Shelters and Pavilions: Scattered throughout the park are several shelters and pavilions equipped with tables and grills. These areas are perfect for family gatherings, social events, or a relaxing outdoor meal.
Natural Beauty and Environmental Stewardship
Beyond its recreational offerings, Wicker Memorial Park is a testament to Highland's commitment to environmental conservation:
Native Landscaping: The park's design incorporates native plants and trees, promoting biodiversity and providing habitats for local wildlife. This approach enhances the park's beauty and supports ecological balance.
Wetland Preservation: Efforts have been made to preserve and restore wetland areas within the park. These wetlands are crucial in water filtration, flood mitigation, and serving as habitats for various species.
Educational Signage: Throughout the park, informative signs educate visitors about the local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation efforts. This initiative fosters environmental awareness and encourages responsible stewardship.
Community Events and Cultural Engagement
Wicker Memorial Park serves as the epicenter for many of Highland's community events, strengthening the town's social fabric:
Concerts in the Park: During the summer, the park hosts free concerts showcasing local and regional musicians. These events allow residents to enjoy live music in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Farmers Markets: Seasonal farmers markets in the park offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. These markets support local farmers and artisans while promoting healthy living among residents.
Holiday Celebrations: The park is a focal point for holiday events, including Fourth of July fireworks displays and winter festivals featuring holiday lights and themed activities. These celebrations foster community spirit and provide festive entertainment for all ages.
Charity Walks and Runs: Numerous charitable organizations utilize the park's trails and open spaces to host fundraising walks and runs, promoting community involvement and physical fitness.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
A key aspect of Wicker Memorial Park's design is its emphasis on accessibility:
ADA-Compliant Facilities: All pathways, restrooms, and recreational areas are designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's amenities.
Ample Parking: The park offers extensive parking facilities, accommodating large crowds during events and peak visitation times.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Leashed pets are welcome in designated park areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions.
Shaded Rest Areas: The park's strategically placed benches and shaded spots cater to those needing rest breaks or a quiet moment of reflection.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Wicker Memorial Park is not only a place for recreation but also a center for learning:
Nature Walks and Talks: Guided tours led by naturalists educate participants about the park's ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
Fitness Classes: Outdoor yoga sessions, tai chi classes, and other fitness programs are regularly offered, promoting health and wellness among residents.
Art in the Park: Workshops and classes on various art forms are conducted in the park's serene environment, inspiring creativity and appreciation for the arts.
Youth Programs: Scout troops, school classes, and local organizations frequently visit the park to participate in STEM-focused activities, outdoor education, and community service projects.
Future Plans and Enhancements
Wicker Memorial Park continues to evolve, with plans for future improvements that will elevate the visitor experience:
Amphitheater Construction: Proposals are in place to build an amphitheater, which would provide a venue for larger concerts, theater performances, and community events.
Expanded Trail Systems: Plans to extend the existing trails will offer visitors more extensive routes for walking, running, and biking and connect the park to other regional greenways.
Community Gardens: Designated areas for community gardening will allow residents to cultivate their plants and vegetables, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.
Renewable Energy Initiatives: In accordance with Highland’s eco-conscious values, future upgrades include installing solar panels and other sustainable infrastructure to reduce the park's carbon footprint.
Testimonials from the Community
Residents of Highland consistently praise Wicker Memorial Park for its cleanliness, family-friendliness, and versatility. Local parent Michelle D. shares, “We visit Wicker Park almost every weekend. My kids love the playground and splash pad, and I love the walking trails. It’s a treasure for the whole town.”
Another visitor, Tom K., adds, “There’s always something happening at the park—live music, farmers markets, or just a relaxing day in nature. It’s what makes Highland feel like home.”
Conclusion
Wicker Memorial Park is more than just a park—it symbolizes what makes Highland unique. It combines nature, recreation, wellness, learning, and community in one dynamic location. Whether you're visiting
