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The Benefits of a Second Opinion on Chimney Work

A second opinion can save you not only money and time on chimney repairs and maintenance, but it can also prevent dangerous operating conditions within your chimney and fireplace system.

The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to cover a few of the reasons why it’s smart to get a second opinion on sizeable chimney projects and when you’re working with a service company for the first time.

expert fireplace repairs in Lancaster OHHow do second opinions work?

Reputable chimney companies will always provide a written estimate for the work they believe is necessary. There are three things within the work estimate you need to consider:

  1. Does the price fall within the “normal” range for the type of work to be performed?
  2. Does the estimate include all the tasks that are required to do your particular project correctly?
  3. Are tasks included that aren’t needed?

The average homeowner won’t be able to know if the price is too high or too low. Few homeowners understand chimneys well enough to look at a written estimate and confirm that the work being proposed is exactly what’s necessary.

Calling in another chimney services company and letting them review the estimate can tell you if there are issues in any of the three above areas.

Reputable vs. fly-by-night

While many chimney companies are reputable and have the skills, training, licensing and insurance to do chimney work safely and correctly, some “fly-by-night” companies are only in it for a quick buck.

Professional chimney technicians often hold certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and other industry organizations. They drive clearly marked service vehicles and wear company uniforms. They have the equipment and tools necessary for doing chimney work properly.

Reputable chimney professionals typically have websites that outline all their services. They’ll supply you with references. They’re happy to meet with you, look over the problems you’re having with your chimney, and then provide you with a written estimate.

A good chimney technician understands that you might want to seek a second opinion on what he or she has given you. For them, it’s all part of the job.

Projects that might warrant a second opinion

When you work regularly with a chimney company and they’re preparing to do your annual chimney sweeping, for example, you probably don’t need to bother getting a second opinion. You know their work and price, and there should be no surprises.

Other chimney projects are more involved and might warrant a second opinion:

  • Masonry repair, brick replacement and tuckpointing for chimney mortar
  • Rebuilding the chimney in sections or from the ground up
  • Replacing the chimney liner
  • Restoring a faulty chimney footing
  • Resizing the flue to accommodate a new fireplace, insert or other appliance
  • Smoke chamber parging (smoothing out the chamber’s surfaces)
  • Firebox rebuilding

These and certain other chimney projects can be extensive and involve a wide range of tasks that the technician must fully understand in order to do the job correctly and safely.

expert chimney repairs and installations in Galloway OHQuality work for your chimney by qualified experts

The Chimney Guys has served the greater Columbus, OH, area since 2014 with expert chimney repairs and rebuilding work, chimney sweeping and licensed chimney inspections. And we’ve given our share of second opinions.

If your chimney requires work and you want to know if the estimate you’ve received is reasonable, call us and let us take a look at it. It costs you nothing, but it could save a lot of money and hassle.

Reach one of our Ohio chimney professionals by phone, or get in touch with our contact form.

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