Part 3 – 4 More Essentials Beyond Licenses and Insurance to Find the Best Chimney Company
In the last two parts(Part 1 and Part 2) of our 3-blog series on how to find and hire the best chimney company, we discussed looking at six crucial factors that homeowners should look for when selecting a chimney company, including checking for licenses and validating the owner of the chimney company.
But there are a few more important things that you need to delve into to discover if the chimney company or contractor is the right choice for you. In Part 3, we will discuss four more tangible and service-oriented aspects of hiring a chimney sweep.
Let’s jump into the details now.
Check their Inspection Reports to see if they’re Code-Compliant
A chimney inspection isn’t about checking boxes. It’s an important fire safety step. A professional chimney sweep company’s report is proof of their experience and whether they follow the different compliances set by the governing bodies.
As a professional and highly experienced chimney sweep company, A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps delivers a thorough inspection report that includes:
1. Photographic proof of each area inspected.
[In the below attached photographs, we have inspected chimney fireplace, chimney flashing, smoke chamber & all other important things of chimney in Richmond.]
2. References to relevant safety codes like NFPA 211 and the International Residential Code (IRC)
[In the below attached photograph, we’ve found that fireplace is a potential fire hazard due to cracks in the flue system & heavy glazed creosote.]
3. Reporting the conclusion of the report in the proper order, from least to most severe issues(e.g., slight cracks to potential structural failure)
Our professional chimney inspectors also provide actionable follow-up steps, estimates of repair costs, and safety suggestions to homeowners. The best part is we don’t tend to upsell unnecessary things to our customers. Only the things that are important to ensure better functioning of your chimney are highlighted by our chimney inspectors and chimney technicians.
At this point, you may think, is such a detailed report even required? Or what’s the use of it when everything is checked and fixed by our technicians?
Well, the chimney reports are not for your own information alone. They might also be needed in times such as –
1. Homeowner’s claim for insurance
2. During home appraisals or real estate transactions
3. Warranties on previous chimney work
Related Reading: When Is a Chimney Inspection Report Needed
If your chimney sweep company doesn’t provide the written reports, you also lose your right to hold them accountable for any risk that may come as a surprise later.
Ask for Actual Warranties. Don’t go with the verbal commitments
A professional sweep should back their work. But very often, small businesses or new chimney technicians provide either no guarantee at all, or it’s wordy and unenforceable. That’s a big problem when you’re spending hundreds, or even thousands, on chimney repairs.
Therefore, you must always look for a chimney sweep company near you that offers a professional warranty to you. It should include:
1. Workmanship Guarantee: Guarantees installation or repair mistakes for a specified time period (usually 1 year)
2. Parts Warranty: Covers manufacturer faults on components such as chimney liners, caps, dampers, and flashing
3. Written Terms: Delivered prior to project completion with definite start/end dates and conditions of coverage
At A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, we believe in offering the best customer service and ensuring that homeowners are provided –
1. A 1-year labor guarantee on service work
2. Manufacturer-supported warranties on all parts installed
3. Proper documentation delivered with your inspection report or invoice
Our founder and CEO, Mr. Raymond Gessner, believes that a warranty is more than just documents; it’s an assurance we provide to our customers about our services, which is why we always ask our clients to read and download warranty information prior to any work being scheduled.
If a business just gives oral warranties or won’t put anything in writing, you should not be scheduling any chimney sweep services with them. Chimney systems are a permanent infrastructure, and you should be protected for the long term.
Find out if they Contribute to Community or Industry Developments
The engagement of a company in its community and business is a strong signal of its stability, reliability, and values. Fly-by-night builders will not commit to associations or community service initiatives. But established businesses are likely to invest in professional development, safety initiatives, and local charities because they understand that credibility comes with relations.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweep is a respectable member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), and the company believes in continuing education and code compliance for all our employees.
Look at the Ease of Communication with the Chimney Sweep Company
Our customers have shared countless experiences about how they hired a chimney contractor who was responsive before payment but ghosted them afterwards. That’s especially risky in chimney work, where small issues (like a flue crack or water leak) can become serious over time.
While looking for the best chimney company in Virginia, or any other state, homeowners must ensure that the chimney contractor or company offers –
1. Multiple channels of communication (phone, email, website)
2. Quick response time
3. Proactive follow-up after service
4. Documentation and reminders for annual inspections
At A Step in Time, we’ve built a system around reliability. And this dynamic system comprises –
1. A live customer support during business hours
2. Same-day email support
3. Online scheduling and inquiry forms
4. Reminders about service scheduling and assistance by SMS and email
We believe that trust is not won once; it’s won repeatedly. Homeowners should be able to trust that their chimney company will still answer the phone long after the bill has been paid.
Summary
The last four steps, inspection quality, warranties, community involvement, and communication, are the foundation of long-term service worth. They distinguish licensed contractors from actual professionals who instill trust, inform homeowners, and overall, offer a great customer experience.
Quick Recap from our three blog series of all important things you must look for while hiring the best chimney company or contractor.
1. Who runs the company?
2. Are they a legal and registered business?
3. How long have they been in business?
4. Do they have general, umbrella, and auto insurance?
5. Do they cover employees with workers’ compensation?
6. Do they have current trade-specific certifications?
7. Do they give clear, code-compliant inspection reports?
8. Do they give written warranties and guarantees?
9. Are they active in their industry or local community?
10. Can you reach them reliably for service or support?
If the answer to most of these is “yes,” you’ve got a chimney sweep company you can trust.
[Note]:
*From #1 to #3, we’ve discussed it in our Part 1.
*From #4 to #6, we’ve discussed it in our Part 2.
*From #7 to #10, we’ve discussed it in our Part 3.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweep - One Name to Tick all the Questions Yes
We’ve spent decades refining our approach, not just to chimney care, but to customer trust. From our engineering licenses to our experienced professionals, we’re committed to being the most dependable name in chimney sweeping in Virginia and other regions.
Here’s a list of all our licenses and other company details for you to verify –
1. Virginia Class A Contractor # 2705139016
2. Master H.V.A.C. # 2710076347
3. License Professional Engineer # 0402032901
4. Business Engineering Entity # 0407004891
5. Fireplace Research Investigation Research & Education Certified Inspector
6. Workers Comp: Brickfield Mutual Insurance Co. WCS3014610
7. Commercial General Liability Insurance: Selective Insurance S 2447314
8. Automobile Liability Insurance: Selective Insurance S 2447314
9. Umbrella Liability Insurance: Selective Insurance S 2447314
10. State Corporation Commission: Entity ID: 05700364: A Step in Time, Incorporated
Have a problem with your chimney? Schedule an inspection, repair, or cleaning service with us, your licensed, insured, and fully accountable chimney sweep company.
Call +1 (757) 244 – 6639 or +1 (804) 244 – 6639 to book an appointment or learn more about our services. Click here to see the complete list of professional services we offer.
Connor H.
Connor is expert in understanding various chimney repair.
