What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
A typical chimney cleaning with inspection will run you approximately $350. If we encounter anything that requires additional attention, we let you know what the new price will be before proceeding.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first step with any chimney is to perform a thorough inspection to identify any potential safety issues. From there, we can address any functionality issues that the customer is concerned about, or any aesthetic concerns they have. Our protocol is 1) Inspection 2) Diagnosis 3) Repair or Upgrade.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. We have 10 years of on the job experience. We benefit from many continuous education programs, including: Olympia Academy, CSIA online courses, Lindemann University, and OSHA Safety training.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started working summers with a family friend when I was only a young teenager. After high school, I pursued a few other occupations for a while, but never entirely stopped doing chimney work on the side. I tried working from a desk for a while, but my life felt lack-luster and I missed the fresh air and beautiful views from the roof-tops. When I got married, I bought a van and put out a few advertisements. The work started flowing in! I have done my best to continue to increase my industry knowledge and skill in my trade ever since. I love what I do and haven't looked back! - Aric Waddell (Owner)
What types of customers have you worked with?
If any of the following sound like you, we can probably help:
My chimney or fireplace puts smoke back in the house, or smells bad.
I am buying or selling a house with a chimney or fireplace.
I have a fireplace or wood stove setup, but I don't like how it looks.
I am looking to heat my house using wood or wood pellets.
I see that my chimney or fireplace is breaking down or coming apart.
I think I might need a chimney cleaning.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
We received a call from a customer that was concerned they might need a chimney cleaning - even though they had gotten the chimney cleaned just 2 months before. We scheduled an appointment and performed an inspection upon arrival. As it turned out, the chimney did not need cleaning, but we found some safety concerns with the way their current fireplace unit was installed. After having a conversation with them about our findings, we learned that they were not satisfied with how well the fireplace unit worked anyway. They loved heating with wood and felt that their fireplace didn't throw enough heat. They also weren't a fan of the dated looking stone around the fireplace. We took some measurements and presented them with a proposal to remove their existing fireplace, remove the existing stone, install a new higher output fireplace, and design a new stone surround. After we agreed on the options, we began work on their project. The whole thing took about 2 weeks, and the finished result was really beautiful! Not to mention, the new fireplace made their entire main living space toasty warm. It was great to work with them and get to know their family during the process. We feel as if we made friends, and look forward to seeing them each year for their annual cleaning and inspection.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Do your research, and get multiple opinions! Our industry has some really professional companies, and some that are not so professional. There are many different approaches to chimney repair, some more accredited than others. A good starting point is to make sure that the professional you are considering is certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America. (CSIA) You can find this information by looking up which technicians are certified within your area on CSIA.org.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Answers to the following questions can definitely prove useful:
When was the chimney/fireplace last serviced?
Have you had any issues with the chimney/fireplace within the last 10 years?
