If you’re like most homeowners, you know how to use your fireplace, and you know that the smoke from it goes up the chimney. But when it comes to the technical elements of your chimney, you’re not all that confident. This is why, when your chimney needs work, it can pay you to get a second opinion.
Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep of San Bernardino, CA would like to share why a second opinion on chimney services can be so beneficial to you. This applies even more when you’re considering working with a particular chimney company for the first time.
Why get a second opinion?There are two primary reasons it’s in your best interest to receive more than one estimate for proposed chimney work. One reason is so you can compare prices; the other is so you can compare the scope of work.
No two chimney companies are the same, and no two will give you the exact same price for the same service. That’s normal and to be expected. What’s not to be expected is a huge difference in the prices given by two different companies.
By getting one or more “second” opinions, you’ll be able to put the pricing into perspective. A very low initial price may mean that the company is inexperienced and hasn’t invested in the “tools of the trade” the way a doctor, auto mechanic or any other professional has.
It also may mean that the company only wants to make a quick buck and get in and out as fast as possible.
A second reason to get a second opinion on chimney services is so you can evaluate the scope of work proposed. Some chimney repair tasks are fairly basic and straightforward; others are quite involved and complex, requiring other related tasks that will allow the original task to be done correctly and safely.
Evaluating the scope of work has two sides. The second opinion may include much more work than the first. In this case, you can ask the company why so much more is needed, and you may be glad that they’re going to be more thorough. If the second estimate contains a lot less work than the first, this company should be able to explain to you why much of the original proposed work would be unnecessary.
Wherever you live, there are good chimney companies and not-so-good chimney companies. As a homeowner, it’s your job to find a local provider who you can trust and who you know has your best interests in mind with every job.
Finding a trusted chimney company involves asking your friends and associations about companies they like to work with and checking the references the prospective company provides to you.
Ye Olde Brit is happy to give you a thorough second opinion on any chimney services you have a first estimate for. There’s no cost or obligation for this service.
Reach a San Bernardino chimney expert with more than 30 years in business by calling (909) 880-2120. You can also get in touch through our simple contact form.
Please Choose a Certified Chimney Sweep!
We hold the designation of Certified Chimney Professional (CCP)
We are GSCSG (Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild) Certified
We’re also proud members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Trust a State Licensed Contractor (#775386)
We’re here to help with all your chimney repair
