| Author |
Message |
    
ral
Citizen
Username: Ral
Post Number: 61
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 5, 2003 - 11:36 pm: |     |
Our chimney sweep just gave us a $2800 estimate for relining our chimney. We'd like a second opinion on whether we need it, if we do, we want other estimates. Anyone know who does this kind of work and who's good? |
lah
Citizen
Username: Lah
Post Number: 143
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 6, 2003 - 8:02 am: | |
Dave the Village Sweep (he's in the phone book in either Westfield or Scotch Plains) gave us his second opinion -- he told us that we didn't need one! He's highly recommended by others on this board. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 185
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 6, 2003 - 8:50 am: | |
This is a well-documented scam. I'm not saying you don't need a lining, but get other opinions. The recommendation above is a good one. |
Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 39
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 6, 2003 - 7:19 pm: | |
Ditto.
Look around.
Mike
GRC |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 325
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 6, 2003 - 7:56 pm: | |
Call Dave the VS.....I doubt you'll need a new lining! Also get a Squirrel guard/cap for the top of your chimney if you do not have one. We had a Squirrel enter our house via the chimney. |
ashear
Citizen
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 712
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - 9:05 am: | |
I just had Dave tell me I did not need a new liner, just a cap. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 1741
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - 9:38 am: | |
Who is your sweep? They may or may not be scamming you. We got a new liner for $2500 2-3 years ago & it was needed. The project was initiated when Maplewood's Bravest found pieces of the old ceramic liner in the furnace after an alarm went off.
How old is your house & has the chimney been regularly serviced? This should be another clue as to whether or not it's a scam. Oh, definitely get the squirrel guard! |
ral
Citizen
Username: Ral
Post Number: 62
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - 12:26 pm: | |
we got the 2,800 estimate from top hat and tails. the house is almost 80 years old and since we have been in it, 6 years, the chimneys have been serviced a few times. i initially called dave the village sweep, but he does not come to south orange! so if anyone knows of anyone else... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 1742
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - 2:28 pm: | |
Ral-
Top Hat (Bob) is my chimney guy. I'd trust anything he says & I know many posters on this board have been happy with him. He is also the one who did our new liner. Our house, too, was built a little over 80 years ago. We had the chimney inspected when we moved in (by someone else) & the guy didn't find anything wrong. Then, 3 years later, the darn thing fell into the furnace. So, it can happen. However, if you are unsure, definitely get another opinion. Sorry I can't recommend anyone else- Dave is the other name that gets used a lot here.
No matter who the second opinion is, this is definitely one service that requires a referral. |
Maplegirl
Citizen
Username: Maplegirl
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 - 5:40 pm: | |
We don't need out chimney lining replaced (hopefully) but we did just move in and are looking to have the chimney cleaned and readied for winter use. Would you all recommend the same people for this type of service and can anyone give phone numbers as we do not have phone books yet.
Thank you. |
OK, it's Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 680
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 9:36 am: | |
It seems that the dirtiest businesses tend to be the dirtiest businesses. We were estimated a $9,000 chimney repair bill, and we ended up spending something like $1,000. Gotta get second and sometimes third opinions.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
|
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 142
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 4:19 pm: | |
I had a service a few years ago that said I needed a lining too. I got my second opinion from Top Hat and Tails. He said I did not need one. I might now though.
Tom, who did you use that charged about $1000? |
jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 138
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 6:45 pm: | |
Dave the Village Sweep told us that we need a liner (no liner at all above first floor) and that it could cost a few thousand dollars, so Tom, please tell! |
ccm
Citizen
Username: Ccm
Post Number: 56
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 11:28 am: | |
I almost got scammed last week by National Chimney Service - they have a coupon for a $29 cleaning in the val-pak. These two pushy shysters came and told me I needed a new liner and that they could do it today for $3000. When I asked how long it would take, he said 1 hour. I said "no thanks" and they then said that they can't do a cleaning for that price unless they put in the new liner. Ridiculous.
I'm in the position now, though, of trying to find an honest person to tell me whether I really need one, and if I do, who can sell it to me at a fair price.
Suggestions? |
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