Countryside Chimney Service

They were charming, clean , neat and VERY effective.  This field is fraught with fraud, but these people seemed to know just what they should do. <br />

Because this is my first experience with a chimney and fireplace, I really cannot attest to his skill level. He did show me some issues with the chimney and fireplace that looked like legitimate issues in need of repair. Unfortunately I do not feel qualified to say whether or not his assessment was a good one or not. <br /> I can, however, state that the issue I did have with this company is their lack of punctuality. <br /> They were over an hour late for the appointment, although he did call to let me know he was running behind schedule. These things happen, I suppose. <br /> But then, the inspection report I was supposed to receive within 48 hours I received in 76 hours. Although he sent me pictures the day of the inspection and the day after the inspection, he supposedly was sick on the day the report was due. When he finally returned my call 3 days after the inspection he told me he was sick and would get to the report after he finished working that day. <br /> <br />

Well, the person sent to our home tried to sell my wife an $850 replacement damper, "excuse me ma'am, did I say $850 or $750 for the replacement"?  When my wife insisted she simply wanted it repaired, the serviceman went outside, called Fox, the owner (who admitted this to me on the phone when I confronted him) and came back and put a bolt into our existing flume. <br /> He then charged my wife $275 for this "service" and acted like he had just parted the Red Sea!   <br /> Needless to say I was furious.  I called Fox, the owner and he admitted that all they did was replace a bolt.  He agreed to send me $125 rebate, which I thought paying that p**** $150 for replacing a bolt, was penalty enough for my own stupidity.  It is now over two months and I've not seen a dime from the him or Countryside Chimney! <br /> PS  None of the dates or costs are estimates.  I have the invoice in front of me.  Feel free to use my name!  Fox knew who he was talking to when he promised to send a refund the next day! <br />

Visual inspection of inside fireplace and damper. Visual inspection of outside of chimney and cap, using binoculars. Concluded that there is most likely a problem with the damper that it does not open completely. After years of use, the damper and/or worm gear control mechanism are rusted and/or warped. James Fox made recommendations, which we are considering. <br />

James Fox (owner) replied to my initial SOS on the morning of 6/20/2013 via early morning phone call (quick response -- 9:00am approx.). My initial cause of concern was my 2-years old chimney cap which was blown-off during Hurricane Sandy. I held-off the cap's replacement due to required roofing replacement (i.e.; replace by roofers in May time-frame). My roofers indicated any new cap would require masonry services (not their line of expertise). The roofers indicated that I contact the appropriate installers to remedy the problem correctly. <br /> Besides the internet I investigated chimney services using Angie's List. Countrywide Chimney seemed a reasonable starting point (there were a number of other chimney services that I was considering, too). James Fox and his crew made an appointment for 2:00pm on 6/20/2013 -- they arrived early! Since we had discussed the initial needs via my earlier phone call, I had some time to research the costs for such services. Countrywide Chimney Service's prices sounded reasonable. So, I approved the cleaning and chimney cap work after his initial inspection. A difference between several service providers of $10 to $40 was not a point to hassle-over. <br /> As part of his inspection James Foxx indicated that there were a number of chimney issues which were the result of the chimney's age (about 55+ years) -- and due to my own personal lapses in chimney maintenance. Basically, the original chimney liner was deteriorating and was becoming a hazard (health as well as home). He recommended a course of action (e.g.; chimney liner et al), provided a cost estimate, and gave me his card if I wanted his help / services. No arm-twisting / No sales tricks involved. I kind of expected the worst since I've lived at this residence for 30+ years and never had the chimney serviced (my fault). <br /> Based on my gut-feeling and prior research on the chimney cleaning / cap replacement + masonry, I considered his estimate reasonable for my immediate needs and concerns. Next, I asked his availability -- either the following afternoon or the day after based on the availability of obtaining a chimney liner. After contacting his supplier and confirming the availability of the required supplies, services were performed the following afternoon. Time-wise the job took approximately 3.5 hours -- set-up, clean-up, installation, work inspection. The majority of the really physical work was done by James Fox's workers (2). <br /> I was present and watched a majority of the interior installation which was an interesting experience itself. A lot of installation time involved masonry work -- they need to open-up the chimney using drilling tools (expect some masonry debris), remove any installation issues caused by the deteriorating chimney, perform a more thorough cleaning of any debris, install the steel liner and appropriate furnace piping, and reseal the chimney (masonry -- cement + brick). <br /> The crew was courteous and took great care in preserving my house during their interior work activity. Canvas drop-cloths were used to mark their entire work area (from my home's entrance to my basement furnace). 99.99% of all debris was cleaned up from the work site and hauled away. James Foxx performed a final work inspection. We both noticed a smell and both determined that it was not chimney related (i.e.; my clothes dryer). After James Foxx was satisfied with the installation work performed by his crew he indicated that there were additional chimney issues to consider for the future -- periodic chimney cleaning plan (e.g.; I have an annual cleaning/service contract with my oil company for the furnace so this sounds wise in hindsight) and water-proofing the exterior of my chimney (a service I will be contacting Countrywide Chimney to perform). <br /> Could I have found someone to perform the same services for less money? That's always possible -- if I felt that there weren't serious problems that needed attention now I might still be mulling over who to contact. I made the choice that I'm quite comfortable making -- fix the problem now rather than have issues in the winter. So, Hurricane Sandy did me 1 small favor and brought to my attention my chimney issues. <br /> I expect to use Countrywide Chimney Service's in the future and recommend their services to all. Cost is only 1 thing to consider when a service is being negotiated. <br />

They were great. I had no problem with them. They did more than they should have done. They found a few things that should have been taken care of and they took care of them at the same time. They were on time would they said they would be here. They even applied for the permit for me. I have a warranty through them.

He is a very thorough guy. He is very clear about what is going to do and what he needs to do. He does the job professionally and quickly.