BOLO: Chimney Scammers on the Rise

Professional chimney companies recommend having your chimney and fireplace swept and inspected yearly. Regular inspections and chimney sweeps will help keep your chimney in good working condition. However, when choosing a chimney company, do your diligence and find one that is reputable. Throughout the United States, there have been complaints involving chimney-related services scamming homeowners. Homeowners have reported being scammed by companies after signing up for an inspection and a chimney sweep. Consumer beware.

What To Look For To Protect Yourself

Here are a few things to watch for when booking a company to clean and inspect your chimney.

• A company offers a really great price. Little does the homeowner know that when these scammers arrive at your home, they will do a bit of looking around, state that the cleaning was worse than expected, and say it would cost more.
• A professional company will offer a written contract. Don’t accept work from anyone who is not willing to put it in writing.
• Door-to-door high pressure. Someone comes to your door. They say they are in the neighborhood working on chimneys. They can offer a deal if they come today and do the work for you. Don’t trust someone selling at your door.
• Offer photos that had been pre-printed before they even got to your house. Make sure that any photos you see are real-time. 
• Check identification and verify the business. Anyone can carry a business card. Search a little further. You can call your local Town Clerk or Business Services department to find out if the company has a business license. 
• Don’t trust anyone saying that you have major damage and that it has to be corrected today. Chances are, the damage you may have in your chimney or fireplace can be repaired at a later time. Don’t be pushed into a repair job that may not be necessary.
• Reputable companies will act professionally. They will discuss the job, how it will be conducted, and what to expect at the conclusion. Don’t be fooled by unprofessional behavior.

The bottom line is, yes, you should schedule an annual chimney sweep and inspection. This is your first line of defense for a safe burning season. There are several situations that can occur if you neglect your chimney maintenance. However, make the effort to research the chimney company that you choose to do the work. Contact a company with a reputation for quality work, such as Motown Fire. We have the reputation that you are looking for and feel comfortable working with.

Our mission at Motown Fire is to provide a superior customer service experience with quality craftsmanship. We do this by following our company values, or “the 4 A’s.” Accountability: honesty, and integrity make for reliable and professional team members. Attitude: the way you present yourself to your team and our homeowners has an impact on them. Assistance: find ways to help others and to make the lives of your team and homeowners easier. Attention: pay attention to the details and the way you present yourself, even when nobody is looking.