It’s that time of year: Tips for chimney sweep hiring
With the cooler weather arriving in the last week, many homeowners are turning up their thermostats. If you also cozy up to your fireplace to relax, it’s important to have the chimney cleaned and inspected annually to ensure safety.
A reputable chimney sweeper will be able to clean and detect any dangerous problems within the chimney.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas advises homeowners to refer to these tips when hiring chimney sweepers:
Shop around. Search for chimney sweepers at BBBHouston.org to read reviews or complaints. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors to recommend a chimney sweeper. Be sure to find out how long the chimney sweeper has been doing business.
Get multiple estimates. Request multiple estimates from different chimney sweepers to compare the cost of the job that is needed. A price that is unusually lower than the other bids is probably too good to be true. Choose the bid that will give you the most for your money, even if it means paying more to hire an experienced sweeper. Also, find out what type of services are included in the cost, and if there are any guarantees on the services. For example, if a blockage is missed during the initial cleaning, find out if the company will come back free of charge, or will you have to pay for another service call
Request references. Ask the chimney sweeper to provide a list of references you may contact. Ask the references about their experience with the business and if they were completely satisfied with the work. Ask if they would hire the chimney sweeper again for a future job. Refusal to provide references is a red flag and you should look elsewhere for chimney sweeping services.
Confirm insurance. Be sure the chimney sweeper you hire has the necessary insurance that will protect you and your home in the event of damage or an injury. Make sure to get proof of insurance before they start doing work on your chimney.
If repairs are suggested, ask for photo/video proof of the recommended repairs. Also, do not feel pressured into allowing work to begin immediately. Make sure the photo has things in it than you can identify as your house or ask for photos with enough background so that you can clearly tell that is your home. Don’t accept broken debris as evidence of a needed repair. That rubble may not be from your chimney. Ask to see what is broken or collapsed and make them show you. If they can see the needed repairs, so can you.
Be cautious if the price sounds too good to be true. Disreputable businesses may quote an extremely low price to get in your door, at which point they recommend additional expensive repair work be done immediately.
It can be difficult to verify if these claims are accurate.
If the price you are quoted is significantly lower than that of other businesses, it should be viewed as a red flag. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.