November 2007
Chimney frauds
Illustration by Mick Wiggins
A chimney sweep calls and offers to clean your wood-burning fireplace for $35. After sticking his head up the chimney, he
says: "You're chimney is so dirty and covered in creosote that it's a miracle your family isn't dead from carbon-monoxide
poisoning! For $2,000, I'll get it spotless and safe."
HOW TO SPOT CHIMNEY FRAUDS
A basic inspection and sweeping will last up to 90 minutes and cost about $150 to $300.
Whisk away any chimney sweep who uses scare tactics or shows up without the basics (a flashlight, brushes, and a special vacuum). Also beware of those who offer low bids or excessive proposals.
Look for proper insurance. If someone is hurt or a neighbor's property is damaged by an uninsured sweep, you could wind up paying. Get copies of his liability insurance and workers’ compensation certificates. Also find out what your homeowner’s insurance covers before work begins.
Verify his licensing. Be sure your sweep is licensed. While licensing won't guarantee success, it indicates a degree of professionalism. You’ll find your state licensing board's contact information at www.contractors-license.org. Some states and counties license contractors, as do many large cities and townships; others require contractors to be registered. Licensing usually entails passing a competency test, while registering involves only a fee.
DOING THE JOB RIGHT
The chimney sweep should start by asking you about chimney problems, repairs made, and how often the fireplace has been used since the last sweeping. He'll place drop cloths around the work area and shut off the furnace.
Next, he'll head up to the roof to inspect the chimney and flashing, and look for potential problems such as overhanging tree limbs. He'll clean the chimney from the roof, then come inside and clean the firebox with brushes and a special vacuum.
After clearing the chimney of debris, the sweep will examine it using a mirror and flashlight. He'll point out any other problems.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America, a nonprofit group, lists certified sweeps on its Web site, at www.csia.org.
HOW TO SPOT CHIMNEY FRAUDS
A basic inspection and sweeping will last up to 90 minutes and cost about $150 to $300.
Whisk away any chimney sweep who uses scare tactics or shows up without the basics (a flashlight, brushes, and a special vacuum). Also beware of those who offer low bids or excessive proposals.
Look for proper insurance. If someone is hurt or a neighbor's property is damaged by an uninsured sweep, you could wind up paying. Get copies of his liability insurance and workers’ compensation certificates. Also find out what your homeowner’s insurance covers before work begins.
Verify his licensing. Be sure your sweep is licensed. While licensing won't guarantee success, it indicates a degree of professionalism. You’ll find your state licensing board's contact information at www.contractors-license.org. Some states and counties license contractors, as do many large cities and townships; others require contractors to be registered. Licensing usually entails passing a competency test, while registering involves only a fee.
DOING THE JOB RIGHT
The chimney sweep should start by asking you about chimney problems, repairs made, and how often the fireplace has been used since the last sweeping. He'll place drop cloths around the work area and shut off the furnace.
Next, he'll head up to the roof to inspect the chimney and flashing, and look for potential problems such as overhanging tree limbs. He'll clean the chimney from the roof, then come inside and clean the firebox with brushes and a special vacuum.
After clearing the chimney of debris, the sweep will examine it using a mirror and flashlight. He'll point out any other problems.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America, a nonprofit group, lists certified sweeps on its Web site, at www.csia.org.
