One of the most overlooked and thus the most dangerous equipment in any house is the fireplace and the chimney. Many of the residents of warmer states often forget to get their fireplaces and chimneys serviced. This usually doesn’t happen in colder states, where a fireplace is an important home comfort appliance. When choosing a chimney and fireplace contractor, make sure that you consider the following points and ask the relevant questions.
First of all, any good chimney and fireplace contractor should have a solid understanding of the local building codes. These codes are very strictly enforced and any chimney and fireplace contractor worth his salt should be aware of them. These codes are important for another reason as well. At the time of sale of any property, the compliance to these codes is essential for the deal to go through.
Licensing is another important issue. Working with fireplaces, particularly gas fired fireplaces require proper licensing. This is an important consideration as many places allow only licensed contractors to work on the equipment. The work usually involves a bit of construction and fittings so look for a contractor licensed in both masonry and gas work. Licensing is also an indication of the experience and competence of the contractor. The licenses are granted after extensive testing and interviews.
Working with fireplaces and chimneys include a lot of hazards. A good chimney and fireplace contractor usually have Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved safety equipment. This includes scaffoldings and fall protection for all the workers. Ask the contractor about these and other protection equipment he uses. Similarly, fire extinguishers and suppuration appliances should be available at the worksite.
When choosing a chimney and fireplace contractor, it is best to do a bit of research. The best sources for a reliable contractor are your neighbors and local hardware stores. The personal experiences of your neighbors are invaluable in selecting a contractor. Same goes for the local hardware supply store. Because of their regular dealings and interaction, these hardware stores are well aware of the reputation and work ethics of these contractors.
A good chimney and fireplace contractor is aware of local laws and regulations. One of the things you should check out before hiring a contractor is the requirement of a permit from the local administration. Almost all of the work related to chimneys and fireplaces require a permit. A good chimney and fireplace contractor usually informs you about this requirement and files for one himself. When a permit is granted, make sure that it is displayed at a place visible from the street.
The last thing to consider is the question of insurances and bonds. Many reputable chimney and fireplace contractors are insured and bonded. This means that the contractor carries liability insurance and the work done is guaranteed by some kind of bond attached to the contract.
A good chimney and fireplace contractor is not that hard to find. However, once you have found one, stick to them. Changing contractors with every job often proves to be costly in the end.
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