Fireplaces are an excellent addition to your home and provide many hours of enjoyment. Cold evenings cozied up in front of the fireplace while sipping warm beverages are perfect for family time. Some work goes into taking care of the fireplace and chimney to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, which you should be aware of.
Finding a certified chimney repair company to inspect your unit professionally is an excellent place to start. For more practical information on what to look for in a Chimney Repair service, continue reading below.
Review Certifications
Beware of companies going door to door or soliciting by telephone to inspect and clean your chimney. Scammers are always looking for easy cash, and Chimney Repair companies have no state regulations, making it easy for out-of-state fraudsters to take your money. Search for a company certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a national organization, and ask to see their credentials. There is nothing wrong with being cautious regarding the safety of your home and family members.
There are three different levels of credentials for a certified chimney professional. The first is a Certified Chimney Professional (CCP). You also have certifications as a Certified Chimney Reliner (CCR) and lastly, Certified Chimney Journeyman (CCJ). The National Chimney Sweep Guild manages all three certifications and oversees the knowledge-based examinations.
License and Insurance, Please
You should only deal with companies with the appropriate licensing and insurance for any repairs to your property, including your chimney. The company you hire will have no issues providing you with the name of their insurance agent and the amount of damages they are insured for. This goes for Workman’s Comp insurance for any employees on the job because if someone gets hurt, you don’t want them to claim it on your homeowners’s insurance, effectively sticking you with the bill.
Check References
Ask the company you are considering for Chimney Repair for references. Don’t worry about offending anyone with questions about the scope of work they have provided in your area. Any legitimate company you hire will happily provide you with a list of satisfied customers to sing their praises. Also, ask friends and neighbors in the area if they are familiar with the company or have had work done by them and if they were happy with the job.
Ask For Identification
Be safe, and remember to check the ID of the person who shows up at your door to make sure they are who they say they are and are indeed employed by the Chimney Repair company you hired. A professional will have a company-issued identification tag ready and prominently displayed.
Hire A Certified Professional
When you suspect that you need chimney repair, it is time to hire a certified professional chimney repair person. A quality company will offer any identification, proof of insurance, and references for your review. Don’t take chances on fly-by-night amateurs for a cheap fix you may regret later. It is better to be safe than sorry regarding the well-being of your home and loved ones.
