When you are looking to hire a service professional, it can be a daunting task. Who should you trust? What are the questions you should ask? Here are some tips for those times when you may need to hire a chimney sweep:
- Check with trade organizations. Groups like the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) can point you to a sweep in good standing. Members of that group have a code of ethics that they are required to live up to. You may also find local trade groups that can point you in the right direction.
- Check to see what chimney sweeps in your area are registered with the Better Business Bureau. See if there are excessive complaints about any of the sweeps.
- It is important for any sweep that services your chimney to have Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Liability Insurance. This shows that the sweep is actually a legitimate business.
- Ask the sweep for references. Do they come highly recommended?
- Be sure to get written estimates from different sweeps. A good chimney sweep won’t be afraid to put their service up against their competitors.
- What steps will they take to care for the inside and outside of your home?
- What guarantees do they put on the service provided? You want a sweep that stands by their work.
A little diligence goes a long way to making sure you have a great experience with your chimney sweep. This also makes it easier to maintain your chimney, because you won’t dread having to make that call.