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The Sterling Chimney Sweep teamHow to book a chimney sweep and what to ask
A good chimney sweep answers your questions plainly, shows you what they found and prices the job before they start. Ask a few questions up front, then book by phone or on a website. You can book online or call (651) 348-4294. Either way, the same crew confirms the details with you.
What should I ask before I book a chimney sweep?
Five questions sort the careful companies from the rushed ones.
- Will you show me what you found? You should see the problem yourself, not just hear about it. A photo from a camera counts, when the job calls for one.
- Do you use a camera? A thorough inspection of the flue calls for one, and a Level 2 always includes it.
- How do you protect my floors? Drop cloths and an industrial vacuum keep soot in the firebox and out of the living room.
- Are you licensed, bonded and insured? A yes should come without hesitation.
- How will I hear the findings? Ours is a conversation: we walk you through each finding at the fireplace, explain it and answer questions before anyone mentions a repair.
What are the red flags?
Be wary of a price far below everyone else's. A bait price can turn into a long list of add-ons once the crew is in your house. Ask what the quoted price includes, and ask what it would take to change it.
Pressure is the other warning sign. A crew that wants you to approve a repair on the spot, before you have seen the problem, is not working for you. A fair company explains the options, leaves the choice to you and lets you sleep on it.
Should I book online or call?
Both reach the same crew. Booking online suits an evening at the kitchen table: you see open days and two-hour windows at once, with no account to create. Calling suits a question that needs an answer first, or a problem that cannot wait for tomorrow.
Whichever you choose, confirm what kind of visit you are booking: a sweep, an inspection or a repair, and what it starts at. Our chimney inspection page explains Level 1 and Level 2, which helps when you are unsure which to pick.
What you can check safely before you book
- Look at the fireplace when it is fully cold: soot on the glass, a smoky smell or a damper that sticks.
- Note when the last sweep happened, even roughly.
- Write down what you notice, such as smoke in the room or water stains near the chimney.
- Stand in the yard and look at the chimney for missing mortar or a lean.
Stop there: leave the roof, the damper and any loose brick to the crew.
When to stop and call
Stop using the fireplace and call (651) 348-4294 if smoke comes into the room, you smell smoke when the fire is out, or you hear scratching in the flue. Flames in the flue or a roar from the chimney mean a chimney fire: get everyone outside and call 911.
Booking questions
Short answers first.
How do I find a good chimney sweep near me?
Start with companies that work in your town, then ask the five questions above. A crew that answers plainly and prices before it starts is the one to book.
How far ahead should I book?
Earlier is easier. Fall fills up as the first cold nights arrive, so booking before the season gives you the pick of days and windows.
Do I have to be home?
Plan to be there at the start and the end, so you can point out what the fireplace has been doing and see what we found.
What does the visit cost?
Starting prices sit in one table on our services page. The call gets you the exact figure for your chimney.
Ready to pick a day?
Call with your town and what you have noticed, or choose a window online.