Out of line??? YES/NO?????

scotsman · Dec 23, 2008

I just talked to a local chimney sweep (plus) about coming out to look at my ZC FP/flue situation in preparation for a free standing wood stove installation--to get a second opinion on what the local dealer has been telling me.

First, he charges $70 just to come have a look. He will take it off the bill if he does the job.

Second, he estimated about $1800 to install a 6" SS liner from stove to top of chimney, with insulation, and replace all the top fittings on the chimney, including a "terminator" plate, all of which I didn't know needed to be done. That's the charge for a 16 foot chimney/flue installation, which he said he did four locally last week.

Thirdly, he charges $100 for a sweep job.

Fourth: He said that it would take two men a whole day to do the job.

The question is: Are these charges/estimates reasonable? The $1800 sounded very high, but then I'm not versed in these things.

For those of you who are installers: Can a DIYer do what needs to be done so that it's as safe as this guy doing it? Thanks for the input.

Jags · Dec 23, 2008

It doesn't sound too out of line, and of course you can save some bean pods by doing it yourself. Making this a DIY project is gonna depend on your level of handiness and proper tools. Several on this site have done so.

As a side note: Check with your insurance company on the DIY install. Some (including mine) require you to provide proof of a professional install. Some don't.

GaryS · Dec 23, 2008

My 12 year old son and I installed a 20' flex Ti-SS liner kit with all the top and bottom fittings in about an hour but we're slow. I had already cleaned it out so it was ready to go. Is the flue hard to get to? Steep roof? Our kit was $475 shipped. It was not insulated. I won't comment on what he quoted since I don't know the situation and I'm frankly not qualified but for two men to work all day, there must be more to it.

Pagey · Dec 23, 2008

Here's a link to a video of a flexible SS liner being installed. Check it out and see if you think it's something you can handle and to see if you think it's worth the labor charge he's asking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRauuzjI-H4

Also, as suggested, check any local codes/insurance issues (which may dictate that you have it done professionally).

Adios Pantalones · Dec 23, 2008

$100 for a sweep is chump change in my neighborhood

Wet1 · Dec 23, 2008

Sounds pretty steep to install a 16' insulated liner. He's making at least $1000 off that (probably a little more) and will take two guys about an hour or two to complete the job.

burntime · Dec 23, 2008

Yep, to clean the terracotta chimney before my insert and liner was 185.00, that was 4 years ago.

Jags · Dec 23, 2008

This just in - a mass of angry chumps are organizing a petition of local chimney sweeps in the Southern New Hampshire area. More to follow.

Detector$ · Dec 23, 2008

Coming from the commercial construction business I'd say that unless he can get two jobs done in a day, he's going to charge you for the full day..... If it takes 3 or 4 hours plus drive time and prep/clean-up etc... He can't get to a second customer in the 8 hour day so you're going to pay for all 8. I'm DIY'ing my house....with 13.5' of type-HT insulated chimney and 20' of stove pipe.... I'm over $1,000.00 just for the chimney, not including the stove/connector pipe. Plus $250.00 for a stainless chase-cover. Your price seems reasonable.

Highbeam · Dec 23, 2008

Rip off. I will never pay someone to come out and bid a job. Red flag right there. Second is his price is about double what I would expect.

Maybe have him sweep the chimney though. At 100$, that is cheap.

fossil · Dec 23, 2008

I agree with Highbeam...shouldn't have to pay just for an estimate. Rick

kd460 · Dec 23, 2008

Yes, I also agree with Highbeam, kind of shows the character of the is guy. Call a few others for a quote. KD

Brian VT · Dec 23, 2008

Sounds like the guy has plenty of work (hence the charge to go there to do an estimate) and, considering what he must pay for insurance and worker's comp., I think the price sounds reasonable.
Just my $.02
I did all the work on my stove and chimney but if I had needed it done quick and easy I'd have paid that price.

Nic36 · Dec 24, 2008

Consider doing it yourself. With this website and all the knowledgeable people here to provide assistance, you should be able to figure it out. You can work at your own pace too.

I installed my chimney and glad I did. Saved me a bunch of money, and I learned something in the process.

Funny about the $70.00 though. I tried to pay two sweeps to come out to give me an estimate on an install, and they wouldn't even do that. Go figure.

joustinghill · Dec 24, 2008

I make it a point never to do business with anyone who charges me to give an estimate. That alone would make me not hire this guy. I can't say anything useful about the other costs, since I don't know what the going rates are in your area. I can tell you that I paid $1600 3 months ago to have a full liner with a top block-off plate put in and my roof is steep and the chimney is quite difficult to access. Took two men about 45 minutes.

bfunk13 · Dec 24, 2008

I was quoted $1600.00 by the dealer i bought my stove from.
The liner was about $400.00. So a full day of work doing it myself, saved $1200.00
I wish i made that kind of bread everyday. They are no fun to do, but well worth the savings.

Brad

atvdave · Dec 24, 2008

I payed $382 for 15ft of SS flex pipe & $250 for the install of the liner, removed the damper, and installed the insert. ( but that was with the purchase of a new insert also) However my brother just had his liner replaced before he purchased a new insert & he payed around $1000.

I think it's kinda high... but thats just me.. wait till may or June and I think the price may drop.

atvdave · Dec 24, 2008

and... it only took them 3 hour's... 2-people.

eightpilot · Dec 24, 2008

My install was the same basic deal. I paid $400 in labor and the same in parts. So $800 total got me set up with 25 ft SS liner with a 45 elbow out of the stove. Plus all the stuff ay the top of the chimney as well. Took the guys about 3-4 hours to do... 8

BrotherBart · Dec 24, 2008

atvdave said:
I think it's kinda high... but thats just me.. wait till may or June and I think the price may drop.

I used to live in West Texas where he lives. My price for wrestling with a piece of stainless steel on a hot roof there in summer would be $10,000. :lol:

atvdave · Dec 24, 2008

Yep.. I didn't see where he lived.. $10,000 may be right....

webby3650 · Dec 24, 2008

fossil said:
I agree with Highbeam...shouldn't have to pay just for an estimate. Rick

There is a difference between an estimate and an inspection. Running my own business I learned that some people want you to tell them the problem and how to fix it for free. I do not charge for estimates but I do charge for inspections.

fossil · Dec 24, 2008

webby3650 said:
fossil said:

I agree with Highbeam...shouldn't have to pay just for an estimate. Rick

Click to expand...

There is a difference between an estimate and an inspection. Running my own business I learned that some people want you to tell them the problem and how to fix it for free. I do not charge for estimates but I do charge for inspections.

I got no problem with that whatsoever. Pay for services rendered. Rick

MishMouse · Dec 24, 2008

If you can wait a few months the price on the install will most likely drop as the people doing the installs will be looking for work.

As for paying for an estimate, I would question it, but if the person is busy and you want it done near the holidays it is not unheard of, especially if he takes it off your bill if you do the install. Check around at other installers, I don't know the regulations in your area, but some cites may require liability covered during the estimate especially if the person needs to climb a ladder or something similar. you may find that other installers in your area also require payment for a estimate.

As for DYI, I would check with my insurance company first, a thing to remember if you do the install and your house has a fire do to an error in the install, you may have a problem getting reimbursed, but if you have a fire and some else did the install they would be liable and the insurance company would go after then to get there money.

pyro68 · Dec 24, 2008

the fact that he will take the estimate charge off the order says something. Take a minute and put yourself in a "professional's" shoes, you have invested in equipment, training ect. now someone asks you to come to thier home for free, shops your expertise (which cost you to aquire) takes your info and gets someone without the knowledge to do the job. Doesn't take too many of those before you're in trouble. Seems like that's a reasonable approach. . . .

Out of line??? YES/NO?????

Feeling the Heat

Moderate Moderator

Member

Minister of Fire

Minister of Fire

Minister of Fire

New Member

Moderate Moderator

Member

Minister of Fire

Accidental Moderator

Feeling the Heat

Minister of Fire

Feeling the Heat

New Member

Minister of Fire

Member

Member

New Member

Modesterator

Member

Master of Fire

Accidental Moderator

Minister of Fire

Member

Similar threads