Shielding Your Property: Recognizing and Avoiding Fraudulent Chimney Companies

If you’re in the market for a new chimney company, the choices can seem daunting. With so many different companies competing for your business, it’s easy to feel like you’re at a standstill with deciding. And, if that’s not enough, homeowners also should investigate the legitimacy of any company you invite into your home. Unfortunately, some companies out there may not be as honest as they seem. Rest assured, there are a few things you can look for to ensure the company you call is legitimate. 

5 Things to Look Out For In Chimney Companies

They should always be forthright with credentials. If a company is a reputable business, it’s likely that they would make very public their success and qualifications. For example, professional certifications should give you confidence in their legitimacy — especially if it’s from a company such as the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Companies boasting this on their websites or advertisements are likely to be trusted, or you can always fact check if they still seem suspicious. 

Too pushy could mean too desperate. We’re all familiar with pushy sales tactics, but have you ever experienced too pushy? There’s a line where anything over it seems a bit off. If your gut is telling you that the company you’re speaking with is a bit too dedicated to closing the deal, it could indicate that they’re desperate for business or they have ulterior motives behind closing the deal. When you’re inviting a company into your home, you want to make sure you feel comfortable.

Do some research on the company. A quick Google search can tell you almost everything you could need to know about a company. This is especially true when it comes to customer reviews. Take a quick look at what other people are saying about the company before you commit.  

Check their contractor number and insurance. To be legitimate and legal, companies should have a state issued contractor number and insurance. These are critical not only for the quality of the work, but also the safety of yourself and the contractors. With a state-issued contractor number you can also see how long they’ve been in business.

Question deposits if they are large. A deposit for chimney work isn’t unheard of. However, if the deposit is very large or the entire bill, that should be a red flag. This could mean they never show up or provide lower quality work on the day of service. If the deposit is 10%, they know the remaining 90% should come from hard work and a job well done.

Ready to call a trusted chimney company?

Fire N’ Stone has been the go-to chimney and fireplace contractor in the central New Hampshire area since 1999. We offer a full range of services, including chimney sweeping, inspections, rebuilding, repairs, maintenance, custom stonework, and more. We can assist you with inspections and maintenance for your furnace and boiler too. Call us today at 603-293-4040 to book!