Hiring a professional to perform any kind of inspection or maintenance inside your home can be nerve-wracking, and this is especially true for homeowners who have had negative experiences in the past. However, with the following tips and advice, you can rest assured that when you hire a company for a chimney inspection, cleaning, or repair, you have made the best and safest choice possible.
Experience is Important
First and foremost, if you want to ensure the best possible results for you and your family, it’s important that you hire an experienced company to take care of things like inspections and chimney cleaning. Though it’s true everyone must start somewhere, the more experience an individual has, the more likely he or she is to notice issues that could lead to expensive repairs or even dangerous outcomes in the future. Chimney technicians must take part in apprenticeships in order to become certified, so if an apprentice will be on-site during your inspection, make sure that the tech accompanying him or her has several years’ experience, at least.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Though it’s important for professional chimney companies to make information about themselves prominent on their websites and social media pages, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you want more information, if anything seems unclear, or if you just want some reassurance along the way. Things you might choose to ask include:
- Does your company have the valid insurance required to protect my home and family in case there is an accident?
- How long have you been in business, and how experienced is the technician that will come to my home?
- Are your inspectors, sweeps, and repair personnel certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America)?
- What kind of warranties and guarantees will you provide?
You may have more questions, but these represent the best and most important things you can ask any chimney company who will perform a service inside your home.
Do Your Research, Too
There’s a reason why most homeowners tend to hire companies that have been recommended by family or friends – they simply feel safer in doing so. After all, if friends and family had a great experience, there’s a good chance you will, too. Nonetheless, asking a company you are considering for references is always a great idea. This way, you can get some names and phone numbers of clients you can contact for more information.
You might also check the company’s social media pages – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even LinkedIn, and look for information through the Better Business Bureau website, as well. It’s also important to pay attention to the way the company responds to complaints and praise online since this will tell you how actively involved they are in their customers’ satisfaction.
Hiring a chimney company doesn’t have to be a terrifying prospect, especially when you know exactly what to ask and exactly what you should be looking for. Follow the advice given here, and you’ll discover that it’s possible to hire the perfect company for all your chimney-related cleaning, repair, and inspection needs.
