Don’t Get Burned — 4 Tips for Hiring an Apex Chimney Sweep

There are many places where you can, and should, cut corners when planning your annual budget. Chimney inspections are not one of them. Despite their simple-seeming outer appearance, chimneys are actually very complex, and hiring a chimney sweep who doesn’t know what he or she is doing can have devastating consequences. In order to keep your home, your possessions, and your family safe, here are 4 tips to follow when choosing a chimney inspection company in Apex NC.

Choose Quality Work Over Low Pricing

Hiring a chimney repair contractor based on price alone can spell serious trouble for your home and your wallet. More often than not, contractors who are willing to do the job for pennies are able to do so because they are not using good quality parts, tools or cleaning agents.

In fact, since most people know so little about chimney cleaning, it would be very easy for a contractor to cut corners, or perform half of what the job entails, without the client being any the wiser. So, even though you might realize “savings” in the short term, they’ll evaporate quickly if the work is never done or not done up to industry standards.

Only Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

The most important qualification to look for when a hiring a chimney sweep is a CSIA Certification. CSIA stands for the Chimney Sweep Institute of America, which sets the standard for fireplace care, maintenance, and repair across the country. If you don’t see proof of CSIA certification for the technician that will be working on your home, it is likely that you are dealing with an ordinary handyman trying to make an extra buck by including chimney cleaning with his other resume—despite the fact that improper chimney care can have extremely dangerous results.

Look for a Chimney Sweep Who is a Member of NCGS

Another organization that highly qualified chimney cleaning companies usually belong to is the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). This organization is dedicated to promoting professionalism and ongoing education within the chimney sweeping profession, so that all chimney technicians are up-to-date with the latest technologies and regulations pertaining to the industry. You’ll be pleased to know that Nexus Chimney Services, in addition to being a CSIA certified chimney cleaning company, is also a longstanding member of this important group.

Ask for Current References

Any reputable Apex chimney cleaning company should be able to provide names and phone numbers of customers in the general area. References are an established and acknowledged part of the chimney sweeping business, as with most other repair and home maintenance professions, and a company should have no excuse for not providing a reference when asked. It’s also worth it to investigate the company’s testimonials page and other online reviews. 

Stay Safe with Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in Apex!

When deciding on a chimney sweep, make sure to do your research and invest in quality. It’s extremely important that your chimney, stove, and/or furnace systems operate properly and safely at all times. Don’t take chances with this important decision—call Nexus Chimney Services for high quality services you can trust! Click here to fill out our form for an estimate.