As winter approaches, you're probably looking forward to curling up in front of the fire. Before you do, you should ensure your chimney is functioning and has been properly cleaned out. Start looking for a reliable chimney contractor for relevant services that can make fireplace usage safe. Here are the qualities to look for in a reliable contractor.

1. Industry Expertise

According to Bob Vila, chimney fires result in over $125 million of property damage every year in the United States. To prevent such a hazard in your home, find a chimney contractor who has the right amount of industry expertise. This person should be an expert on how to check your chimney for safety hazards, such as a buildup of soot or gas. They be able to tell when your chimney is clogged and needs to get rid of pests that may be living in it. They can also check for and repair chimney cracks and vulnerabilities that affect your home foundation.

2. Communication

You want a chimney specialist that communicates well. After all, you're not a chimney professional, so you're relying on them to tell you what is needed. They should be able to talk to you and answer any questions you have.

3. Punctuality

What homeowner wants to sit around waiting for a contractor to show up all day? A reliable chimney pro is punctual and shows up on time. If there is any delay, then it should be for inclement weather that they'll notify you of promptly. Otherwise, they should always be prepared to do whatever relevant service you hired them to do at the time specified.

4. Reputation

Before hiring a chimney contractor, check out their reputation. You can start by asking them for referrals, so you can contact previous clients directly. Don't forget the power of social media review sites. Thanks to them, you have plenty of online sources where people leave feedback about relevant contractors. Make sure you read through reviews to see what previous residents thought of their services.

As you can see, there are many ways to check if a chimney contractor is reliable enough to hire. Research their reputation, observe their communication skills, and ask as many questions as possible to check their expertise level. For an experienced chimney contractor with a quality reputation, contact our team at Allphase Masonry & Chimney Services for a consultation.