Chimney Doctors' Homeowner's Guide

Always ask for references

This is probably the most important step a homeowner can take when deciding which contractor to use. The ideal reference to get from a contractor would be their current client and also the contractor's previous two clients. Some important questions to ask when calling a reference would be:

1. Was the job started and finished on time?
2. Was the job completed for the agreed upon price?
3. Was it easy to contact the contractor if needed?
4. Would you hire the same company if you had to do it all over again?

Is the contractor insured?

All contractors should have liability, worker's compensation, and property damage insurance. Without these, you (the homeowner) may be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur.

Does the contractor warrant their work?

It's always best to have a written warranty from the contractor in case problems arise. Occasionally, unexpected situations occur. It's very comforting for a homeowner to know that the contractor will return to repair any problems if they were at fault.

How long has the company been in business?

If a company has been well-established for a long period of time, it is likely that they have a strong reputable business that will be around for a long time to come. This is important with respect to warranties.

Call the:
Better Business Bureau
(414) 273-1600

NARI (414) 771-4071
(National Association of the Remodeling Industry)

How is the contractor's customer service?

When calling around for estimates, it is important to look at the contractor's initial customer service. Do they return your phone calls in a timely manner? Did they arrive when expected for the estimate? This is always a good indication of how they will perform on the job if you decide to hire them.

Are their prices competitive?

Although it is hard not to jump at the lowest price, always look before you leap. If one estimate is significantly lower or higher than the others, you may find that some contractors are cutting corners, or are not insured, or that the higher priced estimates may be using better materials.

Sub-Contractors?

Does the contractor use sub-contractors to do some, or all, of their work - or do they hire full-time employees? This will definitely affect the pricing scale that they use. All the information you have taken the time to find out about this company may not be valid with the sub-contractor.

References
Chimney Doctors is proud to have an unbeatable track record in satisfied customers. Our main goal is to always make sure that the customer comes first. We guarantee that the job will be started and finished when we agree upon. Enclosed with your estimate is a list of satisfied customers for you to contact.

Insurance
Chimney Doctors carries all necessary insurance. Enclosed is our proof of insurance and if requested, our insurance agent will send you a certificate of insurance with your name as the certificate holder.
* Please note that our liability coverage is $5,000,000 -Well above most contractors.

Warranties
Chimney Doctors warrants all workmanship for a period of ten years. In some cases, such as lining systems and rain-caps, a life warranty is given. We guarantee you will receive the most professional and highest standard of workmanship possible.

Better Business Bureau
Chimney Doctors has been a member of the Better Business Bureau in good standing for over 19 straight years. We are also a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Excellent Customer Service
Chimney Doctors guarantees that all calls will be returned either the same day or, at the latest, the following day. All questions will be answered to the best of our ability or we will put you in contact of someone who can better answer your questions. Chimney Doctors consistently does random customer satisfaction surveys by contacting customers personally, to insure our high standards of customer satisfaction.

Competitive Prices
Chimney Doctors has always offered a competitive price guarantee. We guarantee our prices to be competitive with any other reputable repair company. If a better price quote is found please contact our office for a price quote adjustment. (Competitive price quote must be of the same scope of work and equivalent materials. All members of NARI are deemed to be reputable)

Stability of Business
Chimney Doctors was established in 1981. We are the largest chimney specialist in the midwest, employing over 30 full-time employees. WE HAVE MORE CERTIFIED CHIMNEY TECHNICIANS THAN ANY OTHER CHIMNEY COMPANY IN THE AREA. Chimney Doctors is very careful to hire only the highest qualified employees. We take the time to look for the right people and train them so the customer can trust themto do the finest quality work and feel comfortable with the level of care taken with their home.

Before you choose Chimney Doctors or any other contractor, always do your homework!