A chimney forms an integral part in your home’s fireplace as it acts as a ventilation system allowing the escape of smoke out of your home. Most homeowners enjoy the benefits of a chimney and often overlook its relevance until it breaks down, which should not be the case as chimneys require regular maintenance and repairs. Chimney repair entails cleaning of the chimney and repairing of affected areas and should be carried out by professionals for total restoration. However, with the many chimney repair companies in the market, narrowing down the choices can be quite tricky especially if you are doing so for the first time. You may, therefore, need to consider some aspects as will be discussed below to have an easy time choosing a chimney repair company that will best cater to your needs.
Licensing and certification are an essential aspect you should look at when choosing chimney repair services. To avoid falling prey to unscrupulous scam chimney repair contractors, you should look for a certified contractor. A validly licensed and certified chimney repair contractor has the right qualifications and experience is also well equipped with proper tools, appliances, stoves as well as venting systems. Such a contractor will exhibit a high level of professionalism and commitment in service delivery, hence guarantee you value for your money. You can verify this by checking with the local chimney licensing authorities.
Insurance coverage is also an important factor you should put into consideration when choosing chimney repair services. Chimney cleaning or repair is a high-risk job, meaning that anything can go wrong in the process. You should, therefore, hire a contractor that has full insurance coverage against any kind of damage or injuries that may occur during the chimney inspection of repair. A reputable chimney repair company will carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation policy to protect their clients from losses due to damage to property and injuries resulting from the chimney repair activity. The liability insurance will secure your finances should your property get damaged during the chimney repair process while the workers’ compensation package will protect you from being liable should a chimney repair personnel suffer injuries while on your property. You should also ensure that the staff assigned to your chimney repair project are bonded to secure your valuables considering that they will have access to your home during the repair project.
The other crucial factor you should not overlook when choosing a chimney repair contractor is the level of experience in the industry. Chimney repair is undoubtedly a highly specialized job, meaning that not just any contractor can handle it. You should, therefore, hire a contractor that has been in the industry for a considerable period to be assured of quality services. Such a service provider is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to restore your chimney to its functional state and also ensure that it stays in good condition for an extended period. To determine this, you may need to ask for references through which you will get the views of the past clients. You should also assess the company’s portfolio to establish their period of operation and whether they have handled chimney repair projects similar to yours.