07/09/2026
YES, THIS IS REAL!
The estimate below was received by a homeowner who thought they were quoted by a licensed company, and this is exactly why homeowners need to be careful when hiring someone to work on their chimney.
Unfortunately, chimney scams like this are something we hear about far too often.
These are all major warning signs that should make any homeowner stop and ask questions before allowing work to be performed:
🚩 No license numbers listed (For a written contract over $1,000: Massachusetts law requires the contractor’s Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number to be included, and it must appear on the first page of the contract.)
🚩 No business address
🚩 No terms and conditions
🚩 No warranty information
Unlicensed "companies"/people will tell homeowners that their chimney “requires a deep clean” or that it is unsafe unless they pay for additional services. These so-called “deep cleans” are often extremely expensive and commonly require a large deposit upfront. Unfortunately, after receiving the deposit, some of these companies may never return, or they fail to complete the "work" that was promised.
In this situation, when we arrived, we found that the flue was heavily deteriorated, not dirty with soot or creosote (see photo). The issue was not something that could be fixed with a cleaning. The chimney was in need of a stainless steel chimney liner to safely restore the flue system.
These "companies" do not recommend the proper repairs because they are not licensed or qualified to perform certain chimney work, such as stainless steel liner installations. Instead, they sell homeowners a service that does not exist a “deep clean” (for close to the same price as a liner) rather than addressing the actual safety issue.
The truth is, there is no such thing as a “deep clean” chimney cleaning service. This is a phrase we frequently hear used in scam situations to make a standard cleaning sound like a special service or to pressure homeowners into paying for unnecessary work.
A proper chimney flue cleaning from a licensed and reputable chimney company is typically $200–$400, depending on the type of appliance and chimney system. If there is heavy creosote buildup, a professional may recommend a chain whip treatment to remove hardened buildup. This is usually an additional service and typically remains under $600 unless the buildup is extreme.
Your chimney is a safety system in your home. Before hiring anyone, make sure you verify:
✅ Licensing and credentials
✅ Insurance coverage
✅ A legitimate business presence
✅ Written estimates with clear details
✅ Terms, conditions, and warranty information
Never let fear or pressure tactics make the decision for you. Take the time to research who you are allowing to work on your home.
