Not many people know how to build and restore chimneys, yet, they are a very important part of your home. These two facts leave scammers with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of innocent home owners. It is important to know how to avoid being scammed and pick the right company for your chimney services. Do not be like so many home owners, tricked into spending thousands of dollars on un-needed and not completed “urgent repairs.”

Common strategies
Scammers often target elderly people, first time home owners and people living alone. Thankfully, there are common strategies that scammers use which allow you to identify them.

The knock
When someone knocks on your door and offers a free or very cheap chimney cleaning, think twice. Even if they say they are going around your neighborhood, or promoting a special deal, they are probably scammers. After the cleaning, they usually find “needed repairs” that aren’t needed at all.

Cheap or free
Ask yourself if the company could possibly be making money unless they end up recommending additional work. If you doubt it, then doubt them.

Fake accreditations
Getting your chimney built or repaired is something you should research ahead of time. See what conditions the chimney professional must meet in your particular state. Often, a scammer will pretend they have an impressive title that does not exist.

Intimidating language
While a professional should alert you to any urgent condition, they do not use scary tactics. If someone over emphasizes danger, like mentioning carbon monoxide poisoning or fires multiple times, or uses a menacing tone in order to urge you to take immediate action, it is probably time to get another estimate.

Who to hire
In addition to avoiding the above, a legitimate chimney professional will most likely provide you with photo evidence (but make sure it is of your chimney.) Also, check their credentials in order to make sure they exist and ask to see proof. Finally, it is never a bad idea to make sure they are insured and bonded.

Chimney Concepts has an A+ rating from the BBB, is a NARI member, is on Angies list and is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. They have delivered comprehensive chimney services since 1997.

Their knowledgeable consulatants are ready to discuss your options, offer quality services and fair prices.

For a chimney repair professional you can trust, call 262-377-5811 or click here for more information.