Hire the Right Chimney Sweep by Asking These Questions

Chimney sweep services are crucial to home safety, but it is important to realize that not all chimney sweeps deserve your business. The chimney sweep industry is unregulated, and that opens the door to scammers. Many homeowners in the tri-state area of SW Wisconsin, NE Iowa, and NW Illinois have been ripped off, paying for chimney services they never got or even needed.

Why Avoid Hires Based on Chimney Sweep Solicitation?

The way many homeowners get pulled into a costly scam is by giving in to the enticement of solicitors who call or knock on their door offering low-cost chimney services. The deep discount as compared to legitimate chimney sweep companies is often just a trick.

These unscrupulous chimney sweeps make false claims about an emergency need for costly chimney repairs and apply high pressure to get upfront payment without delay. These so-called chimney sweeps either take the money and run or go through the motions without actually providing a valid service.

Avoid being the victim of a scam. Hire a qualified chimney sweep by first asking the following questions.

How Long in Business?

Valid companies that sink roots into a community can’t stay in business long if they don’t provide legitimate services. Before you hire a chimney sweep, do some research. Visit the company’s website and look for evidence of longevity. The scammers guilty of ripping people off typically hop from one town to the next so that homeowners might be caught off guard. Dubuque Fireplace & Patio has been in the area since 1977, and major renovations on the interior and exterior of our hearth appliance showroom have recently been completed.

Any Certifications?

Hire chimney sweeps that have training and experience. The nationally certified technicians at Dubuque Fireplace and Patio are able to deliver high-quality chimney sweep services, including masonry rebuilds. We also have special qualifications for the installation of heating appliances. It is essential that a professional handle all aspects of choosing and installing a heating appliance, for the best and safest results.

Liability Insurance?

You could get stuck paying for a chimney sweep’s medical bills if he or she is injured on your property. There is no need to worry about that situation if you hire a chimney sweep company that carries business liability insurance. With liability coverage, any costs associated with an employee injury are handled by the chimney sweep company, so the responsibility doesn’t fall to you.

Continuing Education?

Companies who are serious about their business of chimney sweeping continue with training, in addition to earning certifications. Keeping up with the latest in the industry is typically a priority for the purpose of helping to ensure that homeowners get the best chimney sweep services around. Hiring knowledgeable chimney sweeps is truly important because using a solid fuel heating appliance has certain risks. When you hire a chimney sweep, the safety of your home and family is at stake in a very real way.

Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio Today

The premier chimney sweep company in and around Dubuque is Dubuque Fireplace & Patio. We are proud to offer residents in the tri-state area top-quality workmanship on all chimney sweep services and hearth appliance installations.

Contact the chimney professionals at Dubuque Fireplace and Patio at
(563) 582-5156 today.

Or if it’s more convenient, contact Chimney Specialists Inc., our sister store in the Highland, WI, area, at (608) 929-4887.