Here at Lords Chimney, it’s not uncommon for customers to ask how much a certain repair or service costs. We get it – you want the job done right, but you also don’t want to overpay for something that really shouldn’t be costing an arm and a leg. Unfortunately this is one question that isn’t always so easily answered.
Think of it this way. If someone were to ask if $20,000 is a good price for a car, would you be able to give them a yes or no answer right off the bat? Of course not. You’d need to know what kind of car it is, how many miles it has, how old it is, what the body looks like, and a whole lot more.
Well, it’s the same with your chimney! There’s not a simple menu of options each with their own specific price point. What you pay for repairs depends on a wide range of factors such as the unit’s health history, its age, its fuel type, the model you have, and the list goes on.
We understand that this type of answer can feel frustrating, especially when you have no idea if you’re paying too much or too little. If you go with the cheapest option and the repairs aren’t up to par, that’s never good, but you don’t want to be cheated out of money just because there aren’t clear guidelines.
The best thing you can do when navigating this process is to turn to a reputable sweep. Learn more about how to find a chimney company you can trust by reading below, and please feel free to rely on us for any questions down the road. Lords Chimney can help with it all!
Is the Company You Hire Reputable?
One thing to assess when getting estimates for a repair is whether or not that company is actually qualified for the job. It’s an unfortunate fact that a lot of chimney companies out there will tell you that you’re in need of repairs when you’re not or give an exceptionally pricey estimate just to get that extra money in their pocket.
Another thing to note is that chimney sweeps don’t need licensing and they aren’t required to be certified. If a tech claims to be qualified and trained, do your research to ensure they actually have received formal education. Most of the organizations that certify sweeps (like the CSIA, for example) will have a tool on their website that lets you search to find certified sweeps in your area.
Other things to consider: Do they actually have a storefront or are they working out of their home? Do they have insurance (most will say they do whether this is true or not)? Is the sweep coming to your home actually certified? It’s common for a company to certify a couple of team members, then claim themselves as a certified company. But that doesn’t mean the person working on your chimney has had any formal training.
In the end, the crew at Lords Chimney wants people throughout Houston and its surrounding areas to have only positive experiences within this industry. If you’re unsure about an estimate you’ve received, please reach out and let us take a look! We’ll happily refer you to that company if they have made an accurate assessment and are known for doing a good job.
Be Wary of Online Search Results
In today’s world, doing some quick research online is easier than ever. Online search engines have made our lives easier in a lot of ways, but there are some things that Google just can’t assess like a qualified professional can. And just because you find answers to your questions doesn’t mean those answers are accurate.
Take chimney parts, for example. If you know your damper is broken, then you could easily search “chimney dampers” and get hundreds of results. It may seem like the cheapest one should be fine for you, which may leave you wondering why a chimney tech is charging you more. Well, the damper you’re looking at may be the completely wrong fit or model for your particular setup, meaning what you can quickly order online won’t end up working for your system at all.
Again, it takes the eyes of a knowledgeable and trained professional to actually know where your structure stands, and no amount of online searching is going to give you that accurate and in-depth analysis you’re hoping for.
Your Safety is Always the Priority
All in all, safety should always be the priority – even above the price tag. If an estimate seems especially low, you probably shouldn’t trust it, and likewise with a very high estimate. You deserve to pay a fair price for exceptional work to ensure you and your family can use your fireplace as safely and as comfortably as possible year after year.
So, don’t hesitate to talk with the experienced crew at Lords Chimney today. We’re dedicated to staying as educated and up to date as possible, and if you book an inspection with us we’ll always send a CSIA-certified sweep to perform the assessment. On top of all that, we’re experienced, professional, and have a strong reputation for being fair and honest.
Reach Out Today
The time is now to ensure your chimney is in the best shape possible. Give us a call right away or reach us online or to book an appointment. We look forward to speaking with you soon!