Chimney Sweep

[Tucker]

Years ago I owned a Chimney Sweep bussiness in PA. When I moved here 20 years ago I closed up. I am thinking to re-start the bussiness here.
Do any of you think that we have a market in this area for another sweeper? I would not want to waste my time if the market is flushed out.

Thank You
Tim

[LeoTheLion]

I haven't been here that long to know, but it sounds like a great biz around here to me! Everyone has fireplaces - use them a TON in the Fall/Winter.

How much do you charge to sweep a chimney, curious. Also, is it a yearly thing one must get done?

[dyffyd]

When I needed one last autumn, it took a lot of searching to find one who would work this area. Apparently American Chimney in Purcellville is the only one around.

[LeoTheLion]

There's your answer - this area needs chimney sweeps.

[LazerFlash]

When I needed one last autumn, it took a lot of searching to find one who would work this area. Apparently American Chimney in Purcellville is the only one around.Wrongo - we got Appalachian Sweeps (754-9514) to come out without a problem. Last time out, he charged around $250 to do a double flue (fireplace on main level, stove insert in basement). Note that you will almost never get the owner on the phone; you WILL need to leave a message. However, he is VERY responsive and should return your call within a day, two max.

[Tucker]

Well I just might start one up and to see that a person charges 250 for a sweep is well to me, quite over priced reguardless if its two chimneys. The prices I figure would be between 100-175 depending on the job to be done. Close to the same prices I used to charge.

Thanks for the input and I need to replace a few brushes and such I lost on the way. I know my brother called for a sweep and they said it would be a month before they could get to it last fall, well I ended up taking care of it. Made me think.

Thanks for the input.
Tim

[Tucker]

I haven't been here that long to know, but it sounds like a great biz around here to me! Everyone has fireplaces - use them a TON in the Fall/Winter.

How much do you charge to sweep a chimney, curious. Also, is it a yearly thing one must get done?

Depending on the type of wood burned and the amount of wood burned.
Chimney should be swept after each cord if a person is burning wood that is not seasoned properly, or perhaps they are using a pine or similar sappy wood. Other then that I would suggest a sweep after two cords of properly seasoned hard wood have been used.

Tim

[LazerFlash]

Well I just might start one up and to see that a person charges 250 for a sweep is well to me, quite over priced reguardless if its two chimneys. The prices I figure would be between 100-175 depending on the job to be done. Close to the same prices I used to charge.It seemed very reasonable to us, considering that he spent twice the amount of time it took him to do my step-daughter's single year before last...
I know my brother called for a sweep and they said it would be a month before they could get to it last fall, well I ended up taking care of it. Made me think.Based upon what we've seen out here over the past three years, if you return phone calls promptly and actually show up on time, you should make a boatload of money and will be busier than you have ever been in your life. It still boggles my mind just how rude many sub-contractor-types are around here... just getting them to show up is half the battle!

[LeoTheLion]

Cool, thanks Tucker. Please send me your info. We used one cord last season of probably seasoned hard wood. However, we aren't sure what the owner used before us, so we'll probably go ahead and get a sweep to be safe.

[MountainMoon22]

Tucker,

At those prices, we'd hire you!

Good luck!

[Tucker]

It seemed very reasonable to us, considering that he spent twice the amount of time it took him to do my step-daughter's single year before last...Based upon what we've seen out here over the past three years, if you return phone calls promptly and actually show up on time, you should make a boatload of money and will be busier than you have ever been in your life. It still boggles my mind just how rude many sub-contractor-types are around here... just getting them to show up is half the battle!


I can understand that, its just a price I thought was a bit high but then again its been quite a fews years since I have done sweeping.
Supply and demand and job needed done certainly sets the prices and not knowing the entire situation I perhaps spoke to soon.

And as far as subcontractors The last two times I had some work done at my house I regret not doing it my self. I was going to sub out my kitchen but I decided it would be best to just strap on the ole tool belt! And also lifes far to short to be rude ;)

[Tucker]

Cool, thanks Tucker. Please send me your info. We used one cord last season of probably seasoned hard wood. However, we aren't sure what the owner used before us, so we'll probably go ahead and get a sweep to be safe.

Good idea! Better safe thats for sure. I would be happy to take a look at it for no charge if you wish.

Call me anytime- 728 7492

Tim

[Tucker]

Tucker,

At those prices, we'd hire you!

Good luck!

Well Thank You! I have most of the supplies but I need to order a few assorted brush's and then I will be ready for hire. I will post when I have everything set up. I would rather get people taken care of before the burn season. And I will also offer up to come take a look at your chimney for no charge. Just give me a call.

Tim