Chimney repair and service projects come in all shapes and sizes and can include a lot of variables. For this reason, it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion before letting work begin on your chimney.

Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove of Mechanicsburg, PA, would like to share a little about the value of getting a second opinion on chimney projects.

Are Chimney Companies Trying to Rip You Off?

Fortunately, most chimney companies are honest and do their best to be clear and straightforward with their customers about the type of work needed, what it will entail and how much it will cost. But not all companies operate this way.

It pays you, as a homeowner, to reach out for a second opinion before any work is done to your chimney structure or its components.

What A Second Opinion Could Potentially Reveal

Here are four reasons to get a second opinion on your project.

Price is Way too Low

Unscrupulous companies that offer chimney services might come in with a ridiculously low price. A reputable chimney company will point this out to you.

Price is Way too High

Less-than-honest companies also might inflate the price. A second opinion will give you a perspective on cost.

All Kinds of Unneeded Work

Some chimney projects, such as chimney relining and chimney rebuilding, involve many tasks, most of which the homeowner isn’t very familiar with. It’s not hard for a scam company to include unnecessary work in the estimate.

Critical Processes Overlooked

Conversely, a chimney company that isn’t very experienced might overlook a lot of important processes when putting together its estimate. Getting a second opinion can help you understand more about exactly what’s needed for your project.

Does Your Chimney Company Resist the Idea of a Second Opinion?

If your chimney tech balks at the idea of your getting a second opinion, this is a bad sign. A reputable chimney service provider will have zero problem with a customer wishing to talk to another company before starting work. In fact, most honest chimney companies encourage their customers to seek second opinions, particularly when:

• It’s the first time the company and customer have worked together
• The project is especially complex
• The situation with the chimney is dangerous and possibly life-threatening

Working With a Trustworthy Chimney Company

Here’s a checklist for evaluating a chimney service company:

• Make sure they’re licensed to do business in your area.
• Confirm that they carry full liability insurance.
• Find out how long they’ve been in business.
• Are they a local crew, or do they ship in workers from all over the place?
• When you call, do you get a national operator or a local office?
• Ask for references and follow up on them.
• Talk to friends and associates to see if they know anything about the company.

Quality Work from Your Local Pennsylvania Chimney Experts

If you live in the Mechanicsburg region of southern Pennsylvania, Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove and Anderson’s Chimney & Fireplace are here to help with all your repair, cleaning, inspection and appliance installation needs.

Since 1990, we’ve provided exceptional work and results for our customers. We’re happy to come out and give you a no-obligation second opinion on any kind of chimney or fireplace project.
Speak with one of our chimney professionals by phone or get in touch by using our contact form.