fireplace inspection / sweeping (costs, shop, deal)

[academica]

Hi,

I have a question regarding a fair price for fireplace sweeping/inspection services. This may help others too..

Just bought a house, which has two fireplaces, one in basement, one in main level, on top of each other. I got a quote from a company for $100 inspection, and $50 more if needs cleaning -for one fireplace only. When I mentioned the other fireplace in basement, they said $50 more for inspection for that, and another $50 for cleaning. (total -if needs cleaning- $250)

Now I know nothing about fireplace services, but if a guy is already in my house, would it cost another $50 just to inspect another fireplace? And if the fireplaces use the same chimney (which seems to be) then would it cost another $50 to clean it?

Thanks in advance..

[robr2]

There are at least two flues in the chimney - one for each fireplace. That's why it costs extra. And $250 is a very reasonable price to inspection and cleaning of two fireplace flues.

[StuartGotts]

$190/flue is about average.

[Eddy G]

Should the guy do or even look at the second fireplace for free? Or 1/2 price?
What's his time (even if its just a little) and knowledge worth?
Your asking for a second service, shouldn't you pay a second charge?
It would be nice if it where a 2 for 1 deal but it isn't...Maybe shop around until you find such a deal....
My post may sound harsh but that's the nature of posts sometimes....It isn't meant to be that way.
I've spent 35 years in the service industry and had many a customer question things like this...
"But you where only here a few minutes" or "THAT's IT ? I could have found that!" (yeah, but you didn't)"
Someone once told me that I wasn't getting paid to open a valve....I was getting paid to know which valve to open
What I'm trying to get across is service people have a lot of underline expenses, there knowledge and experience can be invaluable. Even if it only takes an "extra" minute or two....Why shouldn't they get paid for it? They've earned it...
And I understand you where asking the question because you didn't know? I get that, I do....
Again, I wasn't trying to jump on you for it....

[BostonMike7]

He's in the ballpark, and his numbers make sense given the two fireplaces and two flues.


I've gotten quotes of around $200 to inspect/clean my single fireplace and flue. I'd say $250 for 2 is pretty good.