How to Avoid Chimney Repair Scams

You’ve probably been there before, someone promises to take care of a job for you, and you trust them because you’re in a tough spot and want to give them the benefit of the doubt only to end up in a worse situation than before due to their negligence or greed. I wish there was a way to scam-proof our lives but unfortunately, there is no guarantee that this won’t ever happen but there are a few things you can do to prevent being the victim of a chimney repair scam.

Always trust your gut.

If the company you have chosen feels untrustworthy there is no harm in getting a second opinion or even a third. It may be a pain, but it is a lot more painful to shell out 1,000s of dollars to a company that does poor work or even worse, no work at all.

Look up reviews and ask for references

This simple act may save you an arm and a leg. Yelp, Google, and other review sites can be extremely helpful. If they are a fairly new company, ask them for references that you can actually call. When in doubt check the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints filed. Checking the reviews on a chimney company could save you numerous headaches and quite a bit of money. There are also neighborhood apps like Next Door where you can ask your neighbors for recommendations. They will point you in the right direction and even tell you who to stay away from.

Do they have insurance?

Only use a company that is fully insured, that way if an accident does occur, the damage may be covered. Without this safety net, it will be left up to you to fix any damage an inefficient company causes to your home. It may be an uncomfortable subject but as a paying customer, you have a right to this information. You want to make sure that they are covered, and that you are covered because accidents do happen.

Ask if they are licensed

Many people are self-taught but in the interests of avoiding scams and costly accidents it’s important to choose a licensed chimney professional. In order to become licensed there are courses that must be taken and an exam that must be passed. This gives you some peace of mind that the person you are dealing with has the knowledge and experience to carry out the job.

Hiring A Professional Chimney Sweep

If the employees at a company refuse to show you their credentials or become angry at your request that tells you everything you need to know. Any reputable company would expect their customers to do their due diligence and be prepared to and proud to speak about previous work and accomplishments. If trying to find the right chimney sweep gives you a headache, give us a call.

Our chimney sweeps are licensed and insured and we have hundreds of positive reviews on google. Don’t waste another minute scrolling through shady handymen on questionable sites. Instead, choose the trusted professionals at Hudson Valley Chimney for all your chimney needs. Contact us today online or by phone at :845-471-1071 – Local | 800-439-1071 – Toll Free