The funny thing is we haven’t dealt with the most important questions. I have to assume the new customer is looking around for a new chimney sweep to service his or her home. But, there are many other concerns to the new relationship. This is going to be a life saving or life threatening decision. Who you hire is more important than how much they might charge you. I am NOT trying to scare you nor am I trying to support extremely high rates. It is my only concern here that we get to the root of the real question being asked, ” why is it that I should trust you (Mr. Chimney Guy) to take care of my chimney and my family?” And, I will answer in the only way that makes sense to me… because I will and I do put my two young sons’ lives in the hands of these diligent, respectful and passionate chimney sweepers at Black Magic Chimney Sweeps. My family has used the Black Magic Chimney services for many years. We’ve used both of the prior two owners and one other chimney sweep from a local contractor. We found both of the two prior owners of Black Magic Chimney to be affable, hard working and reasonably priced. I admit that I didn’t have any other basis to go on when evaluating them, but there was no way I was hiring the other guy from the other company. He was fine as a sweep. But, he just didn’t suit me.

Once I got involved with Black Magic Chimney, Lacy and Chris took great care of our home and the wood stove. They have stories to tell about the crappy wood we burn (and we’re still surprised when we have to have it swept twice a year, hmmm?). One year, Lacy came out in the middle of winter because I had a blockage in the flue. Now, my first indication was the puffs of smoke billowing out of my flue connector pipe as it entered the thimble. I pride myself on being a bit smarter than the average bear, but, boy, did I feel a bit foolish when Lacy came out, set up his ladder and put the rod down about 4 feet before it was stopped dead in its tracks. It was clear…. I wasn’t the brightest brick in the shed if I was burning that crappy wood. But, Lacy was a gentleman and professional. He did NOT rub my nose in the creosote.

Now, the worst part was I bought good seasoned wood. It’s just that I let it sit uncovered and it got soaked for a good part of the fall with no time to dry out. Needless to say, If I were moving into town and needed a new sweep, I would look to the team that will show up whenever you need them, do the honest job, price the job fairly and gives back to the community in all kinds of ways. I guess I’m just a bit odd though.