Questions to Ask Before Hiring Chimney Cleaners
When you hire a chimney sweep, you are granting them access to the interior of your home and trusting them with the fire safety of your family. It is entirely appropriate—and highly encouraged—to view your initial phone call with a company as a job interview. To help Chicagoland homeowners weed out the amateurs and identify the true professionals, we have compiled the definitive list of **questions to ask before hiring chimney cleaners**.
1. “Are the technicians you send to my house CSIA Certified?”
This is the non-negotiable first question. Do not ask if the *company* is certified; ask if the *actual technician* performing the work holds a valid Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certification. You can even ask for their badge number and verify it on the CSIA website before you book the appointment.
2. “Can you provide proof of General Liability Insurance?”
If a technician drops a heavy piece of equipment and shatters your hearth tiles, or if their ladder damages your gutters, you need to know you are protected. A reputable company will gladly email you a copy of their current Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request. If they hesitate or make excuses, hang up.
3. “Do you perform a Level 1 or Level 2 Inspection with your sweep?”
Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for.
- A Level 1 is a visual inspection with a flashlight.
- A Level 2 includes a 360-degree video camera scan of the interior flue.
Ask what their baseline service involves, and specifically ask: *”Do you use a camera to inspect the flue?”* If they rely solely on a flashlight, they are utilizing outdated, insufficient methods.
4. “Will you provide photo/video documentation of any damage you find?”
This is your ultimate defense against the ‘upsell scam.’ Unscrupulous sweeps will claim your liner is cracked and demand thousands of dollars to fix it. A professional company’s standard policy is to provide you with high-definition photos or video footage of the exact damage before they ever quote a repair.
5. “How do you protect my home from soot and dust?”
Sweeping a chimney is filthy work. Ask them to describe their ‘clean room’ setup. You want to hear that they use heavy-duty canvas drop cloths, wear protective shoe covers, and, most importantly, utilize specialized, multi-filter HEPA vacuums designed specifically for fine ash and soot.
6. “Are your technicians capable of performing structural masonry repairs?”
You don’t want to hire a company that can *only* swing a brush. If they find that your chimney crown is cracked or your bricks need tuckpointing, you want a full-service chimney company that has experienced masons on staff to handle the repairs, rather than having to hunt down a second contractor.
Conclusion: The Interview is Crucial
Do not feel bad about asking these questions; any reputable company will be thrilled that you care enough about the process to ask them. At Chicagoland Chimney Cleaners, our customer service team is trained to answer these questions directly and transparently. We view an informed homeowner as our best customer. Call us today and put us to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I ask for references? Yes, asking for local Chicagoland references or directing you to their verified Google or Yelp profiles is a standard practice for reputable companies.
- What if they ask for payment upfront before they arrive? Major red flag. Reputable chimney service companies bill you after the service is completed to your satisfaction, not before.
- How long has your company been operating in Chicago? This is a great bonus question. Longevity in a specific local market indicates a proven track record of reliable service.
- Do you subcontract your masonry work? It’s best if the company has its own in-house masons. Subcontracting often leads to communication breakdowns and disjointed warranties.
- What kind of warranties do you provide on repairs? Always ask this before authorizing extra work. Stainless steel caps should carry a lifetime warranty, and masonry repairs should carry a multi-year guarantee.
