How to Choose a Chimney Sweep
Most people hire a chimney sweep once a year at most. Here is how to tell a good one from a bad one before they are on your roof.
Seven questions to ask
These seven questions sort out most sweeps in a five-minute phone call.
- Are you bonded and insured? If something is damaged, insurance pays for it. Ask for proof if you want it.
- Do you follow NFPA 211? It is the national standard for inspecting and maintaining chimneys.
- Does the price include an inspection? A sweep without an inspection misses the point.
- What level of inspection do I need? A good sweep explains Level 1, 2 and 3 and which applies.
- Will you show me what you find? Photos or camera footage, not just a description.
- How long have you been doing this, and who will come? Experience and a named person matter.
- What is the price, and what would change it? You should get a clear answer before work starts.
What a fair quote looks like
A fair quote states the price for the standard job and lists what would add to it. For a chimney sweep, that means extra flues, heavy or glazed creosote, blockages and difficult access. Our own starting prices and what changes them are on the pricing page.
Warning signs
The common warning signs are a price far below everyone else’s, a visit that takes only a few minutes, and a sudden list of urgent repairs.
- A very low price by phone or flyer. It is often a way in the door.
- “Your chimney is unsafe” with no evidence. Ask to see photos or video of the problem.
- Pressure to decide now. Real problems will still be there tomorrow. Get a second opinion on any large repair.
- No company name, address or insurance.
- Cash only, no paperwork.
What credentials mean
Insurance protects you if there is damage or an injury at your home. A bond is a financial guarantee that protects the customer if the company fails to complete work it was paid for. Certifications from trade bodies such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America show training. None of them replaces asking questions and looking at the evidence a sweep shows you.
Want to ask us these questions?
Call (816) 239-8989About us
Jake And Son Chimney Sweep is bonded and insured, follows NFPA 211, and is run by Jake Baldwin, who has 32 years of experience, with his son Sam. You are welcome to put every question on this page to us.
Common questions
What is the difference between bonded and insured?
Insurance covers damage or injury that happens while work is being done. A bond is a guarantee, backed by a surety company, that protects the customer if the contractor does not complete the work or meet its obligations. A company that is both bonded and insured gives you both protections.
Do chimney sweeps need a license in Missouri?
Missouri does not issue a statewide chimney sweep license. Requirements for business licenses and contractor registration are set by cities and counties and vary. Ask any sweep you are considering about their local business license, their insurance and the standard they work to.
How do chimney sweep scams work?
The usual pattern is a very low advertised price, a quick visit, and then a claim that the chimney is dangerous and needs an expensive repair immediately. Ask for photos or video of the problem, do not pay under pressure, and get a second opinion before agreeing to major work.
Should a chimney sweep show me photos?
Yes. You cannot see inside your own flue, so photos or camera footage are the only way to check what you are being told. A sweep who finds a cracked liner, a damaged crown or heavy creosote should be able to show it to you.
How many quotes should I get for a chimney repair?
For routine sweeping, one sweep you trust is enough. For a large repair such as relining or rebuilding, two or three quotes are reasonable. Compare what each includes, not just the totals, and ask each company to show the evidence for the work they recommend.