So, you’re on the hunt for a reliable chimney sweep company, but you aren’t sure what to look for. Maybe you’re wondering how to find a certified chimney technician, or maybe you just don’t know what questions are really important to ask.
Do reviews matter? How experienced should the tech be? Can I ask for examples of past work?
Well, we’ve got insight into all of that and more, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible. Here’s what you should be asking your chimney company before scheduling a service…
Are You Certified & Insured?
Do chimney certifications matter? Absolutely! When it comes to your fireplace and chimney, there’s no room for sloppy work or shortcuts. To keep those fires burning as safely as possible, any inspections, repairs, and installation work should be done accurately and according to industry standards. Not to mention, many insurance companies require certified inspections and repairs in order to validate claims.
Professionals that are certified have undergone extensive training and testing, giving them the expertise and knowledge to get the job done right.
Who certifies chimney sweeps? There are a handful of industry organizations who put in time and effort to ensure chimney techs have the opportunity to stay in-the-know and well-informed. Some of these include:
- National Fireplace Institute (NFI)
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
- Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education (F.I.R.E.)
- National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
- International Masonry Institute (IMI)
Finding a company that has at least one or two of these credentials – at the very least – is a must. Fortunately for those in the Indianapolis area, Smalling Masonry has certification with all of the organizations listed above…and then some.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
The length of time a business has been operating is a strong indicator of its expertise, reliability, and commitment to quality. An established business has had years to build up experience, and the fact that they’re still around shows that they’ve developed a proven track record of success.
Not to mention, they’ve likely faced a variety of challenges, so if you have a problem that’s less common or a bit out-of-the-norm, chances are they’ll have a good idea on how to address it.
In addition to all that, companies that have been around for a while will be familiar with local regulations and have strong community ties.
Here at Smalling Masonry, we’ve been serving those in Indianapolis and the surrounding area for well over a decade, and we’d love to show you what we can do.
What Services Do You Provide?
You don’t want a chimney company that’s going to only provide the most basic services, then pass you off to another operation if some more exhaustive work is required. Jumping around from home service business to home service business is exhausting, and I think we can all agree that finding one company to handle a wide range of needs is always more ideal.
When you hire Smalling Masonry, rest assured we can help with almost anything – from basic maintenance to new installs to lengthy repairs and more.
Do You Have Customer Reviews?
Checking out customer reviews can be extremely enlightening when deciding who to hire for your chimney service needs. And in this day and age, there’s really no excuse to not to dive into online reviews when they’re so readily available.
Customer reviews provide firsthand experiences of people who have already used the company’s services, providing a good picture of what to expect in terms of quality, reliability, and professionalism.
And pay attention to negative reviews too! Every company, no matter how great they are, gets them from time to time, and seeing how a company responds to unsatisfied customers and experiences can be quite eye-opening too.
Can I See Examples of Past Work?
Any chimney and fireplace company should be proud to show you the impressive work they’ve completed throughout their time in business. Whether it’s photographs, case studies, or even customer testimonials, these examples give you a clear sense of the company’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Here at Smalling, we’ve done some great fireplace installation work, as well as quality masonry and chimney repairs – we’d be happy to show you what we can do!
What Safety Precautions Do You Take?
Because we’re working on something that holds live fires in the middle of your home, ensuring we take all safety precautions and follow appropriate industry standards is essential. This should always be a priority for any chimney service company, and it’s another reason why investing in a team that’s certified is so important.
At Smalling Masonry, we treat our customers like family, ensuring you get the peace of mind you deserve when lighting up your fireplace. Rest assured – when you hire us, you’re in great hands.
We’re a Team That Puts Your Needs First
At Smalling Masonry, we make your safety and satisfaction a priority. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized service, ensuring that your unique needs are met every step of the way. We understand that every home and project is different, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your situation carefully, and provide tailored solutions that work best for you.
Whether it’s a routine chimney inspection or a complete masonry restoration, our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. You can count on us to communicate openly, address any concerns promptly, and go the extra mile to ensure the job is done right the first time. Ready to schedule? Call or reach out online today.