Choosing a Contractor (Chimney Service)

When looking into contractors for your chimney or fireplace needs, be sure to check the following:

Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?

Ask for a certificate of insurance and a copy of their license or check out their license number.

In Maryland check their record with the Better Business Bureau, and The Home Improvement Commission. For VA residents check with The Department of Licensing and Regulation in Richmond.

References are OK, but no company will give you names of dissatisfied customers so I’m not convinced of their value.

Check to see how long they have been in business. Several years is best.

If you get a price or offer that is too good to be true you might be better off declining it.

I personally don’t do business with a company that telemarkets, has high pressure sales people or has arrogant or pushy employees. I look for a company whose employees and/or management freely discusses various options, will prioritize my needs and is concerned with my particular circumstances and who does not spit out rote, fixed answers to my questions and circumstances. For instance it may be relevant how long you intend to live in the home or that you have limited resources, or whether or not you have particular aesthetic concerns.

Is the estimator or salesperson taking a good look at my chimney? Does he seem more interested in making a sale or helping me?

Don’t believe advertising claims. Do your homework and ask your neighbors or family for referrals – even specifics like the employees name who did their work.

See if it is possible to have the same employee work at your house.

The size of the company is not necessarily relevant. The ethics of the ownership is as it will likely be reflected through out the company – In their policies, responses to complaints, in their sales tactics and even in training and performance. So do your homework and trust your instincts and if you do have problems give the company a fair chance to rectify the situation. If they don’t and you have chosen a licensed contractor you will have at least 2 or three government and/or private agencies who can assist you.

Written by 301Chimney owner Dave Myers