Having a fireplace is a lot of responsibility. Anyone who owns a fireplace can tell you that cleaning one is a lot of work and sometimes best left to the professionals. Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for the safety and protection of your house and family.
When you hire a Chimney Sweep service, you are hiring a professional to ensure your chimney is clean and in great shape. A chimney sweep service has the right tools to make a dirty, messy job quick and painless for the homeowner. If you have a dirty fireplace needing service, consider hiring a chimney sweep company to do the job right. Below are a few things to consider before you hire someone.
License and Insurance
When hiring a chimney sweep service, ask if the company is licensed and insured for damages and Workers’ Compensation. Ask for proof of their current licensing and insurance policies. They must be able to cover the damages if they accidentally break a window or fall through your roof. And, if they fall through the roof, they must maintain the proper insurance for the employees so that you are not footing the bill on your homeowner’s insurance.
Certified Chimney Sweep Certificate
Chimney Repair companies are not state-regulated, which makes it easy for scammers to take your money and offer nothing in return. Certifications for a professional chimney sweep are provided through The National Chimney Sweep Guild, which oversees the certification process based on knowledge. If you are still trying to figure out where to start, look for a company recognized by the organization known as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) for assurance that you are hiring a qualified company.
A List of References
Ask for a list of references from happy clients who have had work done by the company you are considering. Any reputable company will not be offended and will happily offer you a list of names, phone numbers, or emails to contact previous or current satisfied customers. Also, ask around the neighborhood to find out who is cleaning your neighbor’s fireplace and if they are happy with the services provided.
Service Fees
Ask about the fee schedule for services, including inspection and cleaning. Most companies will waive the inspection fee if you use them for the cleaning. You will incur additional costs for any materials needed to repair your chimney, and some jobs can get expensive. A quality company will be fine explaining the estimated cost of services line by line to ensure you understand the pricing beforehand. If repairs are required, be sure to get your estimate in writing. You want to avoid being surprised by the total cost after the work is finished.
Breathe Easy, Hire a Chimney Sweep
Safeguard your family and pets from potential hazards such as toxic fumes and house fires by having your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. Hire A certified Chimney Sweep working for a responsible, licensed, and insured company for the best services available. You will breathe easily knowing your chimney is clean and in good working order.
