Unfortunately, chimney repair is one of the most common contractor scams to be on the lookout for. Other common contractor scams include roof repair, driveway sealing, furnace repair, and storm-chasers offering to fix damage after a storm. While there are many “red flags” or warning signs, be especially aware of: Warning Signs of Contractor Scams “Contractors or Companies” that go door to door looking for business without credentials These people just “happen to be in the neighborhood” and are looking to sell you a product or service at a good rate. Accepts only cash or large deposits Check your state laws about what contractors can ask for. Bid comes in far below others It’s good practice to get a few quotes from different companies. Cannot provide references or referrals Look at company reviews and realistic time lines companies are promising. When looking at reviews, search public ones listed on places such as Google, Yelp, or Angi. Cannot provide a license or insurance proof Contractors and Companies should be able to provide you with a copy of insurance and their bushiness license number upon request. How to find a reputable contractor? Be sure to check with your local trade organizations for leads on a reputable company. You might try asking your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Find a contractor who is specialized in the work you need completed. This photo is a recent example of 1 of 2 chimneys that were incorrectly lined. The customer had a “company” come to their door offering to line both fireplace chimneys in just a few short hours. Unfortunately, this “company” relied on the home owner’s lack of knowledge and their trust in someone offering a service. What this photo shows is a improper liner, sized too small for the fireplace, and not properly installed in a fireplace with gas logs. These were found during a Level 2 inspection of the chimneys by our company. A liner should be sized to the appliance that is using that chimney flue. More information on chimney liners More information on Level 2...
Read MoreFeature Installation Spotlight: RSF Opel
Sometimes when you have a vision, you want to see it through to the end to make it possible. We love working with customers to help those dreams and visions come true. Sometimes those journeys take a little longer than expected. Back in 2019 before we started a whole new world, Stephanie and Bill came to us with one such idea in mind. They wanted to turn their existing old fireplace into something that would be a focal point, something that would be eye-catching, something that would be so much more efficient keeping them toasty warm in the winter. We met with them and talked about what they had in mind during the next several weeks. This end product was going to be stunning. By January of 2020 Stephanie and Bill pretty much had all choices finalized (stone and mortar colors were picked, as well as the layout of the fireplace, the RSF Opel, and hearth). We all know what came next. Covid-19 put a lot of these plans on hold, making the order for the stone to be picked up with a few weeks lead time. By the time lock-down came around in our part of the country, a lot of jobs had to be pushed back and held up. Working with customers that are understanding in times such as those when a lot was uncertain, made this process smooth. In July of 2020, all materials were in hand and we started the tear out of the existing gas fireplace. Unfortunately during the process of taking the venting for that fireplace out of the prefabricated chimney, we found extensive water damage. We had to stop our portion of the work and call in a general contractor that was able to take care of water-damage that was found. They needed both inside and outside work to be completed on the chimney before we came in to do any sort of installation inside of it. Due to the re-working of everything, we now needed to change the design slightly and having done that, we needed more stone ordered. Of course, this was at the beginning of the supply chain issues, and while it was a pretty hefty lead time, we would be able to do most of it once the chimney was complete. While we were gone, the clients took that opportunity to repaint the room since it was already “torn apart”, a fresh start for this room seemed like a great idea given the world and time we all had, we well as the repairs that were like starting anew. In October 2020, we were able to make our trip back out, chimney now being complete, painting now finished, and do our portion of the installation of the RSF Opel that was planned so many months before. We installed the Opel, chimney pipe and components, and top termination plate...
Read MorePre-Season Gas and Fireplace Maintenance
Just a friendly reminder that now is a great time to make sure you have checked your appliances before the start of the busy season. If you own a product that we sold/installed… Gas Units: Turn on the appliance and make sure it is functioning properly. Check the batteries in both the remote AND receiver (if applicable). Be sure to check that your pilot is on as well! Pellet Units: Turn on the appliance and make sure it is functioning properly. If not, be sure to note any lights that are on/off and if they are flashing (please note how many times those lights flash and in what order), if any fans aren’t running, etc. The more information, the better to help us diagnose the issue. If you own a product that we do not carry and it is not functioning properly, check the manufacturer’s website to find a dealer nearby that will be able to assist you. Please do not delay in making sure your products are working correctly, getting your gas maintenance, or 2-ton service scheduled. Appointments are filling quickly. Schedule...
Read More26% Wood and Pellet Heater Investment Tax Credit
As part of a pandemic relief package that was signed into law at the very end of December 2020, included a tax credit for wood and pellet heaters. Wood and Pellet stoves now qualify for a renewable energy investment credit. Consumers who purchase highly efficient wood or pellet stoves will be able to claim a 26% tax credit that is uncapped and based on the full cost (purchase and installation) of the unit. This credit is 26% through 2021 and 2022. It will be 22% in 2023. See more information at the HPBA’s website regarding this tax credit. See the EPA’s website for a list of qualifying wood and pellet heaters (It must be listed at least 75% efficient per the higher heating value of the fuel.) Or, contact us at 717-846-9417 brandy@villagechimneysweeps.com for more information or...
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