Unfortunately, there are companies out there in nearly any field that will take your money and sell you a poor quality service or product. An unsafe chimney is a major threat to any home, and the potential for a fire is simply not worth the risk involved with hiring amateurs for an inspection or cleaning. Below, we offer some advice on how you can find a quality chimney sweep in any area.
Do Research First
The most important advice we can give to any homeowner in any area who needs a chimney sweep is to do some research before making a decision. DO NOT simply choose a technician who comes to your door and offers to perform a low-cost inspection on the spot. This could turn out to be a scam from a group hoping you’ll take their word for it when they say the chimney is in need of some costly work. Check the internet, ask around, and find people you trust before a chimney inspection, cleaning, or repair.
Certifications from Respected Industry Organizations
A company that invests in keeping these certifications and ensuring that each of their technicians are qualified to meet standard industry requirements is a company that cares about your business. Certified chimney professionals know chimneys inside and out (quite literally) and are committed to creating safer environments and ensuring the quality of their work. There are several trusted industry certifications you might check for in a technician:
- CSIA (Chimney Safety institute of America)
- NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
- Certified Chimney Professional
- NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild)
BBB Accreditation
In the U.S., checking with the Better Business Bureau is an easy way to see that the company has earned the people’s trust. You can see any complaints the company has received as well as positive reviews, and you can view a company’s rating (on a scale of A+ to F).
At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we have earned certification from respected names in the industry and we are proud to hold an A+ rating from the BBB. Call us today!