Is Your Chimney Sweep Qualified To Do The Job?

Oct 5
07:36

2011

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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If you have a chimney attached to your home, then it is very important for you to have it cleaned at least once a year. Although you can do most of the work yourself, it is usually better to hire a chimney sweep to do the job. However, you will need to make sure the person you hire is actually qualified.

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If you have a chimney attached to your home,Is Your Chimney Sweep Qualified To Do The Job? Articles then it is very important for you to have it cleaned at least once a year.  Although you can do most of the work yourself, it is usually better to hire a chimney sweep to do the job.  However, you will need to make sure the person you hire is actually qualified.

It can be quite easy to get into the profession.  All you need is enough money for the proper equipment and tools.  This means there will be a number of people who claim to be a chimney sweep but who do not actually have any experience or training for it.  There are various ways you can determine whether or not a chimney sweep is actually qualified.

One of the fastest ways to do this is to ask some of your friends or family members for a referral.  If they have a chimney too, then they will likely have hired someone to clean it.  If that person did a good job, then they will have no problem referring the person to other friends and family members.

Whenever you hire a chimney sweep, it is also a good idea to get reviews from previous customers.  If you are hiring a company, then you will usually be able to find reviews posted online.  Some companies will even provide you with a list of people you can contact to inquire about how the service is.

One of the next things you need to do is look for complaints about the individual or company.  You can check with a state consumer protection agency or the BBB for past complaints.  Obviously, you will want to hire someone else if there have been a lot of complaints filed.

Professional chimney sweeps can join various organizations for accreditation.  If they have, then you know they are truly qualified for the job.  Some of the best organizations to look for include the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute.

One of the final ways you can find a qualified chimney sweep is to use a professional service.  These services exist to match homeowners with qualified contractors.  Everyone the service recommends will be qualified.

Although it is important for you to have your chimney cleaned periodically, it is best for you to find someone qualified to do the job.  You can often get a good referral by asking some of your friends for names and contact information of those they have used in the past.  Make sure you also check for reviews and complaints before you hire someone.