chimney sweeping in Savage, MN

Key Questions to Ask a Savage, MN Chimney Sweeping Company

Of all the features of your Scott County home, the fireplace is one of your favorites. It’s not only practical, as it generates reliable and affordable warmth, but it also lends to the aesthetic appeal of your house. Then there’s the ambiance that it creates; there really is nothing better than curling up in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter night. While there’s no denying that a fireplace is an asset, it needs to be properly cared for; otherwise, it runs the risk of becoming a serious liability. Routine chimney cleaning is a vital part of responsible fireplace ownership.

Changes in the quality of your fires, strange odors, odd sounds, and smoke billowing back into your Scott County house are all tell-tale signs that it’s time to have your chimney cleaned. Because the chimney is such an important feature and has a direct impact on the function of your fireplace and the safety of your home, you don’t want to hire just any chimney cleaning company; you want to make sure that you choose the best. How do you do that? By interviewing a few different candidates and asking some key questions.

The following are a few examples of some of the questions to consider asking when you’re interviewing prospective chimney sweeps, as the answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the most reliable Savage, MN chimney sweeping company.

Are you licensed?

There are a lot of chimney cleaning companies out there that claim they’re professionals, but in reality, they’re anything but. The last thing you want to do is hire someone who claims to be a pro but isn’t, as there’s a chance that you’ll end up getting scammed. Not only that but if they aren’t legitimate and something goes wrong, you won’t be protected. For these reasons, it’s important to ask the Scott County chimney companies that you’re considering hiring if they’re licensed. A license indicates that the company has received all of the necessary training to properly clean and inspect a chimney. It also confirms that they adhere to stringent regulations and rigorous safety protocols. Plus, if something goes wrong, as long as the company is licensed, you’ll be able to seek legal recourse; for example, if they don’t do the job that they said they would, or if they don’t complete the work.

When you’re interviewing prospective chimney companies, be sure to confirm that they’re licensed. A reputable Savage, MN chimney sweeping contractor will be more than happy to share this information with you.

Are you insured?

A lot of things can go wrong when it comes to cleaning a chimney. The technicians could damage your Scott County house, or they could sustain an injury while they’re working on your property. In either situation, if the company isn’t insured, you’ll be liable for any of the necessary repair or medical care costs. That’s why it’s imperative to confirm that the company you hire is fully insured. In the event that something does go wrong, the company’s insurance will cover the related expenses.

At a minimum, a reputable Savage, MN chimney sweeping company will carry general liability insurance. If they employ a crew, they’ll also carry workers’ compensation insurance. Don’t just ask if they’re insured; ask to see proof of their coverage and confirm that their policies are valid. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How long have you been in business?

Sure, there’s a chance that a company that’s just starting out could deliver reliable services and impeccable results. When it comes to something as important as your chimney, however, do you really want to leave anything to chance? Remember, the condition of your chimney not only impacts the quality of your fires, and thus, your comfort, but more importantly, it has a direct impact on your safety. With that said, hiring an experienced Savage, MN chimney sweeping service is highly recommended. It’s best to choose a company that is well-established and has been serving the Scott County community for a number of years. Remember: the longer a company has been in business, the more experience it will have, and they will bring that experience to your project.

Do you offer a guarantee?

The best Savage, MN chimney sweeping companies will back up their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. While guarantees vary in terms of what they cover, when a company offers one, that’s a sign that they are committed to excellence and that they stand behind the services they provide. When you’re interviewing prospective Scott County chimney cleaning contractors, if they offer a guarantee, make sure you find out what it entails; what it covers, how long after the services have been rendered the guarantee is effective for, and you’ll need to do if you need to use the guarantee. A reputable company will provide you with a written statement that highlights the details of the guarantee.