Chimney and fireplace servicing
We have two fireplaces in our new house. I wanted to get them both to code before using them, because I'd had a house fire when I was growing up.
When the guy showed up, he smelled like booze. He gave me a review of what he recommended to get the chimneys to code and said another guy would call me with an estimate for getting it to code. He charged me $65 for that. Two weeks go by, no call from the other guy.
I called the head office and mention all this. He gave me the number of the estimate guy (apparently they sub-contract all these people, so they don't actually work for the company). I called him and left a message asking him to call back. When he does, he has no idea what was in the review from the first guy. So basically he just gave me prices for various types of work that I may or may not want to do.
He had no idea that we even have two fireplaces - I had to remind him of that. I said "I'd just like to know what it will cost to get these fireplaces insurable." He didn't seem able to tell me that.
He even told me that I needed a liner in the chimney, even though the first guy told me I don't. Consequently I didn't get them to do work.
Six months later, the owner called me and asked why I changed my mind. I told him all this and that I'd be hiring someone else.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,000.00