Chimney sweep scam busted...

BillW@honeywell

The show concerned some allegedly bogus chimney sweeps who were operating in North Jersey. It just proves that if you don't deal with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, you are probably looking for trouble. For both pros and homeowners, if you need a referral, call 317 837 1500, the office of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Sweeps who have completed the training and Certification carry a picture ID card with their certification number on it.

Homeowners, be sure to check out references, Consumer Affairs and BBB. Buyer beware, the price that's "too good to be true", often IS!

DaveC

That problem is widespread...

and been going on for years. Some of these guys don't even bother to take down the flue pipe or shovel out the base. Most homeowners don't even recall if the guy went up on the roof. If they didn't get the rugs dirty, they did a good job!

Mark J Strawcutter

Somewhat Related

If you're having tree work done - be it removal or especially pruning - be sure to hire an ISA certified arborist, not Bubba with a pickup and chainsaw.

See www.treesaregood.com or www.isa-arbor.com

Mark

Unknown

My next door neighbor

found out about the tree removal guys the hard way. Hired a friend of a friend of a friend to take down a rather large Norway Maple. "Bubba" tied the top of his ladder to the trunk topper he was supposed to be taking down and ended up coming down with it. My wife saw the whole thing in "slow motion" and ran next door to see if he was OK. Finally came to and started to prop the ladder back up. Neighbor said "No Way Jose" and kindly gave him the boot. Took down about 16 feet of stockade fence with it when they fell. Just for giggles, my neighbor ran into this guy this year in the grocery store. He asked my neighbor "Don't I know you from somewhere?" Pete replied "Yea.....you were laying under my tree last year!"

Glenn