Homeowners often feel overwhelmed when hiring companies to maintain or repair their homes, and chimney sweeping is no different. You want to find a company that will do the work properly, quickly and for a fair price, while respecting of your home and treating you professionally. You don’t want a company that will push you into extra goods or services that you don’t really need, or a company that will leave your home in worse shape than before.
So how do you choose a chimney company to clean or repair your chimney? We often use price when making hiring decisions, but does price matter when hiring a chimney company?
The answer isn’t so simple. Of course, price can help you get a feel for a company. If a company quotes you a price that’s way above or way below the competition, that can be a major red flag. But there are other factors you should be looking at when hiring a chimney company.
CSIA Certification
A good starting point when hiring your chimney company is to check for certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The CSIA is the primary education and certification group for chimney sweeps in the United States. CSIA certification guarantees that chimney sweeps have undergone a training course, sat for a certification exam, and that they are familiar with local building codes that govern fireplaces and chimneys. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps also are bound by a code of conduct that states they will operate professionally and in accordance with industry best practices.
References
It is always good to check a chimney company’s references. This can be done by asking family and friends about the chimney companies they use. You can also use websites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau for reviews or complaints regarding the company.
Insurance coverage
Always make sure that the chimney company you hire carries its own liability insurance. All reputable chimney companies will carry their own insurance, and you should never hire a chimney company that does not.
Longevity
Check with the company to see how long it has been in business. While there are plenty of fine startups, a company’s longevity can provide valuable insight into their quality. Business that treat customers poorly, overcharge or perform shoddy work generally will not stay in business for long.
If you are searching for a chimney company you can trust, call Fluesbrothers Chimney Service today. We are certified by the CSIA and the National Fireplace Institute. We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. We have been awarded the Angie’s List Super Service Award many times over. We have been in business for over 15 years. On top of that, you will find our value on par with our high level of experience and service.
