The right chimney sweep service will provide you with a complete range of solutions and services to help ensure proper maintenance of your chimney and fireplace. Choosing a contractor can be a daunting process, especially with the sheer number of companies promising fair pricing and high-quality work. Add to this news and stories of homeowners getting ripped off by scheming providers who take people’s deposits for shoddy or sometimes non-existent work, or perhaps even for services you don’t necessarily require, and it becomes even more difficult to pick a company that delivers as promised. Here are some tips on selecting the right
Chimney Sweep in Portland and avoid fake contractors who are only out to rip you off:
1) Decide based on a company’s reputation and qualification. Instead of choosing a company with the cheapest rates, look for a company that has the right qualifications and certifications—and one with a solid reputation for providing reliable services. The savings you will get from less than legitimate companies will very quickly evaporate if the work they do isn’t up to par with industry standards. A certified company follows strict standards imposed by authorities, therefore giving you the assurance that your chimney and fireplace are in good hands. Look for certifications from industry authorities as well as memberships with reputable and relevant associations or groups in the field.
2) Stop scheming providers in their tracks by never falling for solicitations out of nowhere. Dirt cheap prices are huge tell-tale signs of a chimney sweep scam. Beware of random solicitations and always check a company’s credentials by looking at their website, contacting their office, and looking for customer feedback/reviews that tell of the quality of their services as well as the legitimacy of their company.
3) Look for companies with proper insurance coverage. Fully insured workers are a good sign of a respectable company that cares enough about the wellbeing and safety of their employees. Workers’ insurance also protects you as a homeowner against liabilities in case accidents occur within your premises, especially since chimney sweeping and
fireplace maintenance can be high-risk activities.
