Getting Ready for Your Chimney Sweep Appointment
You're all set! Here's exactly how to get your home ready before we arrive, and what to expect once we're there.
Your Day-Of Checklist
Short on time? These six things will get your home ready in a few minutes.
- No fires for at least 24 hours before we arrive — the fireplace needs to be fully cold
- Hearth area cleared — furniture, rugs, and decor moved back 5–6 feet
- Pets secured in another room for the visit
- Clear path from the entrance to the fireplace (and to the attic or roof access, if needed)
- Someone 18+ home for the full appointment window
- Driveway or street parking clear for our service vehicle
How to Prepare Your Home
A little prep goes a long way toward a fast, smooth appointment.
- Let it go cold. No fires for 24 hours beforehand — we need the firebox and ash fully cooled before we get to work.
- Clear the hearth. Move furniture, rugs, toys, and decorations at least 5–6 feet back so we have room to lay down drop cloths and work safely.
- Secure pets. Even the friendliest dog or cat is safer — and less stressed — in another room while we're working.
- Clear the path. A clear route from your entrance to the fireplace — and to attic or roof access if we'll need it — helps us get set up quickly.
- Plan to be home. We ask that someone 18 or older is present for the whole visit, so we can walk through any findings together.
- Make room to park. A little space in the driveway or on the street helps us unload equipment right away.
Pro TipJot down anything you've noticed — odd smells, smoke backing into the room, sounds in the flue — and mention it when we arrive. It helps us know exactly where to look.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Here's exactly how a typical appointment goes, start to finish.
Arrival & Walkthrough
Your technician arrives, introduces themselves, and asks a few quick questions about how you use your fireplace and anything you've noticed.
We Protect Your Home
Drop cloths and tarps go down around the work area before anything else happens, keeping your floors and furniture soot-free.
Full Sweep & Free Inspection
A CSIA-certified technician performs the PCR sweep and a complete visual inspection of the flue, firebox, and damper.
We Show You What We Find
If anything needs attention, you'll see it yourself — often with photos — along with a written estimate before any repair work begins.
Complete Cleanup
We pack up the drop cloths, sweep up any debris, and leave the area as clean as we found it — or cleaner.
Payment & Wrap-Up
We take card or check on the spot, answer any last questions, and let you know when it's time to schedule your next visit.
Before-You-Arrive FAQs
Most standard sweeping and inspection visits take 45–90 minutes. Repairs or rebuilds are scheduled separately after your written estimate is approved.
Yes. We ask that someone 18 or older is home from when we arrive to when we finish, so we can walk you through anything we find in person.
No. We lay down drop cloths and tarps around the work area before we start, and we clean up thoroughly before we leave.
We'll walk you through exactly what we found, often with photos, and provide a written estimate for any repair work. Nothing is ever added to your bill without your approval.
We accept card and check on the day of service. If you booked a flat-fee special, that price is what you pay — no added fees.
No problem — just call us at (615) 882-4644 as early as you can and we'll find a new time that works for you.