A week before: define the job
Write down the appliance type, fuel, last service date and any smoke, odor, stain or unusual noise. If you have a model number, previous inspection report or photographs taken safely from the ground, keep them together. Tell the company about more than one flue or appliance so the quote does not assume a single fireplace.
Ask whether the appointment includes cleaning, an inspection, a report or only a diagnosis. Confirm whether the technician needs roof access and whether weather could alter the visit. If the company does not work on your pellet, gas or factory-built system, find one that does before the appointment.
The day of: make the work area ready
Let the appliance cool fully according to the company's instructions. Move furniture and fragile objects away from the hearth and clear a path from the entrance. Keep children and pets out of the work area. Ask where the crew will place equipment and how it will contain dust.
Before work begins, repeat the symptom and confirm the quoted scope. Do not climb onto the roof or dismantle venting yourself. A professional should identify any access limitation in the report.
Before the crew leaves
Ask what was cleaned, what was observed and what could not be inspected. Request photographs of significant defects and a written estimate for separate repair work. If the technician recommends stopping use, ask for the reason in writing and follow that advice.
Keep the invoice and findings with the appliance manual. If the original symptom continues, ask for further diagnosis instead of assuming another cleaning is the answer.
Put the guide to work
Give each chimney company the same description and ask for a written scope. Compare providers by location and recorded services.
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