According to Randy Spreadborough of Chimney Plus Service, homeowners can consult the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), Angie's List ( www.angieslist.com), a consumer services website, and Craig's List ( www.craigslist.com/seattle), for more advice on chimney sweeps and preventing chimney fires.
Spreadborough warned of scam artists now in the area who are unlicensed and unbonded and who hire untrained personnel. He wanted readers to be forewarned: these operations are blanketing the area with coupon drops, enticing the customer with offers of discounted "services," ultimately at great expense to the consumer.
Know your chimney and chimney sweep:
1. Look at the credentials of the service providers. Ask to see their bonding certificate and note if it has expired. Don't use them if it is expired.
2. Ask about the training and experience of the sweep. What kinds of experience have they had? What systems have they worked with?
3. Ask for references and then always check these references before allowing the chimney sweep to work on your house. People who offer "good deals" and whose bid seems inexpensive are not always the best folks for the job.
4. For safety's sake, it's prudent to have your fireplace/woodstove inspected annually. Those who are occasional users may not need a yearly sweeping. When in doubt, consult with an expert.
5. Homeowners who have fireplaces that they rarely use should also be cautious. Water can get into these units and wash out the mortar, making the bricks fall apart.
6. If the masonry needs to be rebuilt, or if the customer is in need of new construction, search out a reputable mason.
7. Above all, take a professional's advice and listen to them and their recommendations. Chimney fires sound like freight trains coming through the house. The damage can be devastating to the most valuable asset a person owns, their home, not to mention the potential for loss of life.
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