Moved into a house in Arlington Heights that had ~$of work done and not completed to specsHe did two liners and lock top dampers but never attached and cemented the liner to the smoke chamberWork done by Mike C #on 5/1/It unfortunate that my first cleaning uncovered the unfinished work that cost an additional few hundred dollars $$$ So let this be a warning that although a job may cost a lot, does not mean you will get what you pay for For the two fireplaces if I got the work done on both would of been between $1000-$ A little more background...the former owner of the house was a retired ladyShe was preparing to sell the houseAnd after a $deposit, one would think that reviews from paid sites would pan out wellThis company took in $and unless the former would go and look up in the fireplace, then she would only assume the work was completed unless she looked up insideBut based on reviews, who would think that you would need to go above and beyond to confirm the work? My hope is to get this review on all the sites but finding the pay sites like Angie's List makes it harder to accomplishOne would think that past work would be a tell my sign of other work that might be done on a new job
Initial Business Response / [redacted] (1000, 9, 2014/06/09) */ Revdex.com Case XXXXXXXX message [redacted] Fri, Jun 6, at 12:PM To: " [redacted] @chicago.Revdex.com.org" I apologize for the delay in responding to the above complaintOur operations manager has been off ill for several weeks and we have all been working hard to keep up with the day to day Here is our response to the issues noted in the complaint: We were contracted to sweep and inspect two fireplaces [redacted] wanted to ensure that the fireplaces were functionalWe cannot ensure that the fireplaces are functional without performing a level two inspection which is the use of a camera system called a ChimscanAccording to Eric our certified chimney sweep technician, Mrs [redacted] stated that it was ok to write down any findings prior to the start of the inspection Nowhere on our work order did our technician [redacted] state that the family room fireplace was functionalThe term functional is not a standard term in the sweeping industry [redacted] recommended that both fireplaces be scanned with a specialized camera called a Chimscan to determine the condition of the liner and whether or not it can safely carry the by-products of combustionThe scan can detect if there are broken tiles, missing mortar joints, offsets or cracksA visual inspection which is part of our standard sweeping process is not always sufficient to determine that the flue is safe to carry the combustiblesChimscans are recommended whenever a property is changing handsThis is considered a level two inspection and is a standard recommended by NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and recognized by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) by which we abideThe customer did not agree to the chimscans As part of our standard sweeping process and inspection we always examine each chimney on the propertyIn this case there were three chimney; living room fireplace, family room fireplace and furnace/water heater chimneyIt is our practice to visually inspect at the roof top each of the venting systems in the homeIt was after this inspection that we noted two different repairs that were needed [redacted] noted that the aluminum liner in the furnace chimney was not properly terminated at the top of the chimneyIt required a top plate in order to secure the linerAs he found the liner, it was dangling freely in the flueThis situation is of concern and it is our duty as certified technicians to point it out to the homeownerThis was a small repair costing $He also noted that the cement crowns at the top of one fireplace and the furnace chimney were cracking and needed to be sealed to prevent water from entering and causing premature deterioration to the brick structureThis repair was quoted at $for both chimneys With regard to the customer's real estate attorney, he called and asked us to modify our work order to reflect that only two sweepings were completed and not to include our other findingsThis we felt was highly unethical and as a result we stated that we could not provide what he requestedWe never change a company document to make it appear that we did not see what in fact was noted by our technician In the case of the living room fireplace, the fireplace is a gas burning vent-less fireplace and it was swept and cleanedAccording to our notes before the visit, the inspector stated that there was an issue with the unit not startingIn fact [redacted] had no luck starting the pilot and recommended based on the age of the unit that it should be replacedIt has been our experience that even if the pilot valve can be made to work it will likely fail againA new vent-less unit which is the type that was in the fireplace would cost approximately $The other company quoted a figure of $for a vented unit and that would be for an entirely different sort of gas log unitI understand that this company was able to start the unit and as a result I would be prepared to pay their service costPlease have the homeowner mail the receipt and we will refund the cost for the work they did to get the unit operating
terrible servicei made an appointment to have the chimney cleaned on Wed10-19-for Thurs10-they show up on Mon 10-24, I tell them to come back Thursthe 27th they called Mon the 24th and said the were sorry for the mix up, see you Thurs the 27th They show up Wed 10-when I wasn't home, telling my wife they're here now and going to do the jobI text her telling her to tell them to come back tomorrow the 27th foolishly, she let them inWhen I got home they were goneShe paid them $ She doesn't know what they did I feel cheated and violatedI'm so angry at my wife for letting them in I don't trust them now..I wanted to be there when they did the cleaning I want the cleaning done again when I am thereI would NEVER recommend this company for anythingAND I will broadcast this bad experience to the world
Chris and Matt were willing to come out after usual work hours to fulfil my scheduled appointmentThey still took their time to do a thorough job, explain their work and my options, and answer all of my questionsThey were very professional, and I'm looking forward to having them back for further projects to be completed
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2014/06/23) */
On 9/9/we were contracted to complete services at *** W *** in *** On 9/25/our crew completed the work per the contractOn one large lower section we installed new 5" gutters and 4" over-sized downspouts with new leaf
protectionWe removed the customers existing gutters,downspouts and foam leaf protection in those areasWe were also contracted to add downspout extensions from the upper roof to the lower gutter and to install diverters to help with any overflow problems on certain areas of the home
On 10/29/we received a call from the customer saying that he was still having issues with overflow in some areas of the homeOur manager *** *** went to the home and diagnosed the problems that remained, some of those were part of the contract and others were not part of the original contractAs it was late in the season we discussed with the home owner doing the repairs in the springSome of the over flow problems are clogged foam in some areas of the lower and upper gutters that were not replaced, gutters that are not properly pitched and the need for additional valley diverters
The customer called us on June 4th of this year*** sent our installers to the home that day to verify and go over what we could do to resolve the issuesThe installers met with the customer and then *** talked to the customer on several occasionsHe arranged with the customer to have the installers return once *** got back from vacationIt was at that point that we received the Revdex.com complaint
We are still willing to try and resolve these issuesSome of these repairs will be no charge but other repairs not part of the original contract will need to be chargedPlease have the customer call us to let us know how to proceed
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 11, 2014/06/24) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
As I mentioned in my initial complaintThis is not a question of whether the scope of work on the contract is completeThe scope of work was developed by the salesman who convinced me that this scope of work would solve my roof drainage problemsAnd the scope involved some very expensive gutter caps replacing the current leaf barrier foam that I already had in placeHe assured me that this would handle a much higher volume of waterIt doesn'tAnd my overflow problems still existThe company response makes it sound like they have been very responsiveThey do not reference the countless numbers of calls I have made to them for resolution, of which only a fraction were returnedThis is another significant frustration for a customer, as a reasonable person would begin to believe that this company is avoiding this issue, and will not make good on it's promisesMost recently, *** told me he would have to talk to his boss regarding resolution and that the individual was out of town, and he wouldn't be able to get back in contact with me until June And as of today, June 24, I still have not heard back from him, only his response to the Revdex.com complaint which I filed on the 12th, two days after he was supposed to contact me with the results of his discussion with his bossOn the phone, *** has always been very courteous and responsiveTo repeat myself, this is not an execution of scope issueIt's the fact that the initial problems still exist and I paid this company $4300+ to resolve them*** is responsible of scope execution, so I believe that dealing with him is not going to resolve this unless he has authority to add necessary scope to resolve the problemsUnfortunately, the salesman has probably misdiagnosed the problem and therefore, created the wrong scope of workI was crystal clear with the salesman that I wasn't going to tell him how best to fix the problemThis was their company's expertiseI was willing to go with his recommendation, and he assured me that if it didn't resolve it, that they would make the necessary modificationsI want them to do as they said
Final Business Response /* (4000, 27, 2014/08/18) */
On Friday 8/15/our technicians returned to the clients home and made several repairs and modifications that were discussed by Mr *** with *** *** earlier in the monthAs of this point I believe that we have satisfied the client and trust that there will be no further issues with the installation
Thank you
*** ***
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 17, 2014/07/17) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Thank you for your willingness to meet and discuss the problemsThe telephone number you stated is the best contact number for meI will be available all day on Friday
We had the back panel of our fireplace replaced by Matthe was one of the nicest and competent repairman we have ever had to our homeExcellent work and very knowledgeableHe saw that the wrong piece was ordered, even tho he could make it fit and went back and got the correct one and it fits perfectIn and out in no timeEarly times is very pleasant to do business with!!!
*** and *** cleaning and inspectionTop notch! *** at Early Times fixed my flu liner and installed a chimney fan for me a couple of years ago correcting what another chimney service totally messed up with the original installationThe chimney has performed flawlessly since*** is a true professional with outstanding experienceHe explains everything and is maticulas in his inspectionsI never get upsellingJust an honest assesment of things I need to look out forNeedless to say, Early Times will be doing my annual inspection and cleaning for years to comeAnd if I find the need to utilize their other services, they are at the top of my list
All of the work done to our chimney was explained to us in great detail by *** who also conducted the free in home consultationThe work was done in a timely matterWe are very pleased and would recommend them to friends and familyThanks again for a job well done!
*** and *** installed a new attic fan and blew in more attic insulationWe were impressed with their professionalism, especially with how they cleaned up when they were done! We will use your services again
Kudos to the attic insulation teamMy attic insulation was from and totally degradedThe team was friendly, professional, did a great job, and also did an excellent job of cleaning upI recommend them highly!
I cannot begin to express my satisfaction with this company. First, the technician, Ken was clearly competent and professional. He checked my chimney and provided detail about what was needed. Two competitors quoted 7x the amount trying to sell me a liner I did not need.
A second person arrived the day of the job, 10-30 and it was completed in no time at all.
Additionally, the office staff was outstanding. I spoke to several persons there. You get the feeling that they are a family and they are including you as one of its members. They want you to be happy.
Moved into a house in Arlington Heights that had ~$9280 of work done and not completed to specs. He did two liners and lock top dampers but never attached and cemented the liner to the smoke chamber. Work done by Mike C #5508 on 5/1/15. It unfortunate that my first cleaning uncovered the unfinished work that cost an additional few hundred dollars $$$. So let this be a warning that although a job may cost a lot, does not mean you will get what you pay for. For the two fireplaces if I got the work done on both would of been between $1000-$1500.
A little more background...the former owner of the house was a retired lady. She was preparing to sell the house. And after a $3100 deposit, one would think that reviews from paid sites would pan out well. This company took in $9297.97 and unless the former would go and look up in the fireplace, then she would only assume the work was completed unless she looked up inside. But based on reviews, who would think that you would need to go above and beyond to confirm the work?
My hope is to get this review on all the sites but finding the pay sites like Angie's List makes it harder to accomplish. One would think that past work would be a tell my sign of other work that might be done on a new job.
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2014/06/09) */
Revdex.com Case XXXXXXXX
1 message
[redacted]
Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 12:59 PM
To: "[redacted]@chicago.Revdex.com.org"
I apologize for the delay in responding to the above complaint. Our operations...
manager has been off ill for several weeks and we have all been working hard to keep up with the day to day.
Here is our response to the issues noted in the complaint:
We were contracted to sweep and inspect two fireplaces. [redacted] wanted to ensure that the fireplaces were functional. We cannot ensure that the fireplaces are functional without performing a level two inspection which is the use of a camera system called a Chimscan. According to Eric our certified chimney sweep technician, Mrs. [redacted] stated that it was ok to write down any findings prior to the start of the inspection. .
Nowhere on our work order did our technician [redacted] state that the family room fireplace was functional. The term functional is not a standard term in the sweeping industry. [redacted] recommended that both fireplaces be scanned with a specialized camera called a Chimscan to determine the condition of the liner and whether or not it can safely carry the by-products of combustion. The scan can detect if there are broken tiles, missing mortar joints, offsets or cracks. A visual inspection which is part of our standard sweeping process is not always sufficient to determine that the flue is safe to carry the combustibles. Chimscans are recommended whenever a property is changing hands. This is considered a level two inspection and is a standard recommended by NFPA 211 (National Fire Prevention Association) and recognized by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) by which we abide. The customer did not agree to the chimscans .
As part of our standard sweeping process and inspection we always examine each chimney on the property. In this case there were three chimney; living room fireplace, family room fireplace and furnace/water heater chimney. It is our practice to visually inspect at the roof top each of the venting systems in the home. It was after this inspection that we noted two different repairs that were needed.
[redacted] noted that the aluminum liner in the furnace chimney was not properly terminated at the top of the chimney. It required a top plate in order to secure the liner. As he found the liner, it was dangling freely in the flue. This situation is of concern and it is our duty as certified technicians to point it out to the homeowner. This was a small repair costing $100.00. He also noted that the cement crowns at the top of one fireplace and the furnace chimney were cracking and needed to be sealed to prevent water from entering and causing premature deterioration to the brick structure. This repair was quoted at $304.00 for both chimneys.
With regard to the customer's real estate attorney, he called and asked us to modify our work order to reflect that only two sweepings were completed and not to include our other findings. This we felt was highly unethical and as a result we stated that we could not provide what he requested. We never change a company document to make it appear that we did not see what in fact was noted by our technician.
In the case of the living room fireplace, the fireplace is a gas burning vent-less fireplace and it was swept and cleaned. According to our notes before the visit, the inspector stated that there was an issue with the unit not starting. In fact [redacted] had no luck starting the pilot and recommended based on the age of the unit that it should be replaced. It has been our experience that even if the pilot valve can be made to work it will likely fail again. A new vent-less unit which is the type that was in the fireplace would cost approximately $1400.00. The other company quoted a figure of $550.00 for a vented unit and that would be for an entirely different sort of gas log unit. I understand that this company was able to start the unit and as a result I would be prepared to pay their service cost. Please have the homeowner mail the receipt and we will refund the cost for the work they did to get the unit operating.
On 10-01-2014 Early Times Home Solutions cleaned my Dry vent out. I'm been using them for 4 Yrs.. They've been on time every time when I made an appointment with them.
The two technicians that did the work ([redacted] & [redacted] were professional and polite also cleaned up before they left.
I would recommend them.
Simple chimney sweep turned into a lot more - new liner. Tough scenario but David explained it well as did your literature. Both he and his assistant were very professional throughout.
terrible service. I made an appointment to have the chimney cleaned on Wed. 10-19-16 for Thurs. 10-27. they show up on Mon 10-24, I tell them to come back Thurs. the 27th.
they called Mon the 24th and said the were sorry for the mix up, see you Thurs the 27th.
They show up Wed 10-26 when I wasn't home, telling my wife they're here now and going to do the job. I text her telling her to tell them to come back tomorrow the 27th.
foolishly, she let them in. When I got home they were gone. She paid them $159.00.
She doesn't know what they did.
I feel cheated and violated. I'm so angry at my wife for letting them in.
I don't trust them now..I wanted to be there when they did the cleaning.
I want the cleaning done again when I am there. I would NEVER recommend this company for anything. AND I will broadcast this bad experience to the world.
Moved into a house in Arlington Heights that had ~$of work done and not completed to specsHe did two liners and lock top dampers but never attached and cemented the liner to the smoke chamberWork done by Mike C #on 5/1/It unfortunate that my first cleaning uncovered the unfinished work that cost an additional few hundred dollars $$$ So let this be a warning that although a job may cost a lot, does not mean you will get what you pay for For the two fireplaces if I got the work done on both would of been between $1000-$ A little more background...the former owner of the house was a retired ladyShe was preparing to sell the houseAnd after a $deposit, one would think that reviews from paid sites would pan out wellThis company took in $and unless the former would go and look up in the fireplace, then she would only assume the work was completed unless she looked up insideBut based on reviews, who would think that you would need to go above and beyond to confirm the work? My hope is to get this review on all the sites but finding the pay sites like Angie's List makes it harder to accomplishOne would think that past work would be a tell my sign of other work that might be done on a new job
Initial Business Response / [redacted] (1000, 9, 2014/06/09) */ Revdex.com Case XXXXXXXX message [redacted] Fri, Jun 6, at 12:PM To: " [redacted] @chicago.Revdex.com.org" I apologize for the delay in responding to the above complaintOur operations manager has been off ill for several weeks and we have all been working hard to keep up with the day to day Here is our response to the issues noted in the complaint: We were contracted to sweep and inspect two fireplaces [redacted] wanted to ensure that the fireplaces were functionalWe cannot ensure that the fireplaces are functional without performing a level two inspection which is the use of a camera system called a ChimscanAccording to Eric our certified chimney sweep technician, Mrs [redacted] stated that it was ok to write down any findings prior to the start of the inspection Nowhere on our work order did our technician [redacted] state that the family room fireplace was functionalThe term functional is not a standard term in the sweeping industry [redacted] recommended that both fireplaces be scanned with a specialized camera called a Chimscan to determine the condition of the liner and whether or not it can safely carry the by-products of combustionThe scan can detect if there are broken tiles, missing mortar joints, offsets or cracksA visual inspection which is part of our standard sweeping process is not always sufficient to determine that the flue is safe to carry the combustiblesChimscans are recommended whenever a property is changing handsThis is considered a level two inspection and is a standard recommended by NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and recognized by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) by which we abideThe customer did not agree to the chimscans As part of our standard sweeping process and inspection we always examine each chimney on the propertyIn this case there were three chimney; living room fireplace, family room fireplace and furnace/water heater chimneyIt is our practice to visually inspect at the roof top each of the venting systems in the homeIt was after this inspection that we noted two different repairs that were needed [redacted] noted that the aluminum liner in the furnace chimney was not properly terminated at the top of the chimneyIt required a top plate in order to secure the linerAs he found the liner, it was dangling freely in the flueThis situation is of concern and it is our duty as certified technicians to point it out to the homeownerThis was a small repair costing $He also noted that the cement crowns at the top of one fireplace and the furnace chimney were cracking and needed to be sealed to prevent water from entering and causing premature deterioration to the brick structureThis repair was quoted at $for both chimneys With regard to the customer's real estate attorney, he called and asked us to modify our work order to reflect that only two sweepings were completed and not to include our other findingsThis we felt was highly unethical and as a result we stated that we could not provide what he requestedWe never change a company document to make it appear that we did not see what in fact was noted by our technician In the case of the living room fireplace, the fireplace is a gas burning vent-less fireplace and it was swept and cleanedAccording to our notes before the visit, the inspector stated that there was an issue with the unit not startingIn fact [redacted] had no luck starting the pilot and recommended based on the age of the unit that it should be replacedIt has been our experience that even if the pilot valve can be made to work it will likely fail againA new vent-less unit which is the type that was in the fireplace would cost approximately $The other company quoted a figure of $for a vented unit and that would be for an entirely different sort of gas log unitI understand that this company was able to start the unit and as a result I would be prepared to pay their service costPlease have the homeowner mail the receipt and we will refund the cost for the work they did to get the unit operating
terrible servicei made an appointment to have the chimney cleaned on Wed10-19-for Thurs10-they show up on Mon 10-24, I tell them to come back Thursthe 27th they called Mon the 24th and said the were sorry for the mix up, see you Thurs the 27th They show up Wed 10-when I wasn't home, telling my wife they're here now and going to do the jobI text her telling her to tell them to come back tomorrow the 27th foolishly, she let them inWhen I got home they were goneShe paid them $ She doesn't know what they did I feel cheated and violatedI'm so angry at my wife for letting them in I don't trust them now..I wanted to be there when they did the cleaning I want the cleaning done again when I am thereI would NEVER recommend this company for anythingAND I will broadcast this bad experience to the world
Chris and Matt were willing to come out after usual work hours to fulfil my scheduled appointmentThey still took their time to do a thorough job, explain their work and my options, and answer all of my questionsThey were very professional, and I'm looking forward to having them back for further projects to be completed
Erik and Shawn did an excellent job getting our dryer venting system cleaned out
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2014/06/23) */
On 9/9/we were contracted to complete services at *** W *** in *** On 9/25/our crew completed the work per the contractOn one large lower section we installed new 5" gutters and 4" over-sized downspouts with new leaf
protectionWe removed the customers existing gutters,downspouts and foam leaf protection in those areasWe were also contracted to add downspout extensions from the upper roof to the lower gutter and to install diverters to help with any overflow problems on certain areas of the home
On 10/29/we received a call from the customer saying that he was still having issues with overflow in some areas of the homeOur manager *** *** went to the home and diagnosed the problems that remained, some of those were part of the contract and others were not part of the original contractAs it was late in the season we discussed with the home owner doing the repairs in the springSome of the over flow problems are clogged foam in some areas of the lower and upper gutters that were not replaced, gutters that are not properly pitched and the need for additional valley diverters
The customer called us on June 4th of this year*** sent our installers to the home that day to verify and go over what we could do to resolve the issuesThe installers met with the customer and then *** talked to the customer on several occasionsHe arranged with the customer to have the installers return once *** got back from vacationIt was at that point that we received the Revdex.com complaint
We are still willing to try and resolve these issuesSome of these repairs will be no charge but other repairs not part of the original contract will need to be chargedPlease have the customer call us to let us know how to proceed
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 11, 2014/06/24) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
As I mentioned in my initial complaintThis is not a question of whether the scope of work on the contract is completeThe scope of work was developed by the salesman who convinced me that this scope of work would solve my roof drainage problemsAnd the scope involved some very expensive gutter caps replacing the current leaf barrier foam that I already had in placeHe assured me that this would handle a much higher volume of waterIt doesn'tAnd my overflow problems still existThe company response makes it sound like they have been very responsiveThey do not reference the countless numbers of calls I have made to them for resolution, of which only a fraction were returnedThis is another significant frustration for a customer, as a reasonable person would begin to believe that this company is avoiding this issue, and will not make good on it's promisesMost recently, *** told me he would have to talk to his boss regarding resolution and that the individual was out of town, and he wouldn't be able to get back in contact with me until June And as of today, June 24, I still have not heard back from him, only his response to the Revdex.com complaint which I filed on the 12th, two days after he was supposed to contact me with the results of his discussion with his bossOn the phone, *** has always been very courteous and responsiveTo repeat myself, this is not an execution of scope issueIt's the fact that the initial problems still exist and I paid this company $4300+ to resolve them*** is responsible of scope execution, so I believe that dealing with him is not going to resolve this unless he has authority to add necessary scope to resolve the problemsUnfortunately, the salesman has probably misdiagnosed the problem and therefore, created the wrong scope of workI was crystal clear with the salesman that I wasn't going to tell him how best to fix the problemThis was their company's expertiseI was willing to go with his recommendation, and he assured me that if it didn't resolve it, that they would make the necessary modificationsI want them to do as they said
Final Business Response /* (4000, 27, 2014/08/18) */
On Friday 8/15/our technicians returned to the clients home and made several repairs and modifications that were discussed by Mr *** with *** *** earlier in the monthAs of this point I believe that we have satisfied the client and trust that there will be no further issues with the installation
Thank you
*** ***
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 17, 2014/07/17) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Thank you for your willingness to meet and discuss the problemsThe telephone number you stated is the best contact number for meI will be available all day on Friday
We had the back panel of our fireplace replaced by Matthe was one of the nicest and competent repairman we have ever had to our homeExcellent work and very knowledgeableHe saw that the wrong piece was ordered, even tho he could make it fit and went back and got the correct one and it fits perfectIn and out in no timeEarly times is very pleasant to do business with!!!
*** and *** cleaning and inspectionTop notch! *** at Early Times fixed my flu liner and installed a chimney fan for me a couple of years ago correcting what another chimney service totally messed up with the original installationThe chimney has performed flawlessly since*** is a true professional with outstanding experienceHe explains everything and is maticulas in his inspectionsI never get upsellingJust an honest assesment of things I need to look out forNeedless to say, Early Times will be doing my annual inspection and cleaning for years to comeAnd if I find the need to utilize their other services, they are at the top of my list
All of the work done to our chimney was explained to us in great detail by *** who also conducted the free in home consultationThe work was done in a timely matterWe are very pleased and would recommend them to friends and familyThanks again for a job well done!
*** and *** installed a new attic fan and blew in more attic insulationWe were impressed with their professionalism, especially with how they cleaned up when they were done! We will use your services again
Kudos to the attic insulation teamMy attic insulation was from and totally degradedThe team was friendly, professional, did a great job, and also did an excellent job of cleaning upI recommend them highly!
I cannot begin to express my satisfaction with this company. First, the technician, Ken was clearly competent and professional. He checked my chimney and provided detail about what was needed. Two competitors quoted 7x the amount trying to sell me a liner I did not need.
A second person arrived the day of the job, 10-30 and it was completed in no time at all.
Additionally, the office staff was outstanding. I spoke to several persons there. You get the feeling that they are a family and they are including you as one of its members. They want you to be happy.
Moved into a house in Arlington Heights that had ~$9280 of work done and not completed to specs. He did two liners and lock top dampers but never attached and cemented the liner to the smoke chamber. Work done by Mike C #5508 on 5/1/15. It unfortunate that my first cleaning uncovered the unfinished work that cost an additional few hundred dollars $$$. So let this be a warning that although a job may cost a lot, does not mean you will get what you pay for. For the two fireplaces if I got the work done on both would of been between $1000-$1500.
A little more background...the former owner of the house was a retired lady. She was preparing to sell the house. And after a $3100 deposit, one would think that reviews from paid sites would pan out well. This company took in $9297.97 and unless the former would go and look up in the fireplace, then she would only assume the work was completed unless she looked up inside. But based on reviews, who would think that you would need to go above and beyond to confirm the work?
My hope is to get this review on all the sites but finding the pay sites like Angie's List makes it harder to accomplish. One would think that past work would be a tell my sign of other work that might be done on a new job.
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2014/06/09) */
Revdex.com Case XXXXXXXX
1 message
[redacted]
Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 12:59 PM
To: "[redacted]@chicago.Revdex.com.org"
I apologize for the delay in responding to the above complaint. Our operations...
manager has been off ill for several weeks and we have all been working hard to keep up with the day to day.
Here is our response to the issues noted in the complaint:
We were contracted to sweep and inspect two fireplaces. [redacted] wanted to ensure that the fireplaces were functional. We cannot ensure that the fireplaces are functional without performing a level two inspection which is the use of a camera system called a Chimscan. According to Eric our certified chimney sweep technician, Mrs. [redacted] stated that it was ok to write down any findings prior to the start of the inspection. .
Nowhere on our work order did our technician [redacted] state that the family room fireplace was functional. The term functional is not a standard term in the sweeping industry. [redacted] recommended that both fireplaces be scanned with a specialized camera called a Chimscan to determine the condition of the liner and whether or not it can safely carry the by-products of combustion. The scan can detect if there are broken tiles, missing mortar joints, offsets or cracks. A visual inspection which is part of our standard sweeping process is not always sufficient to determine that the flue is safe to carry the combustibles. Chimscans are recommended whenever a property is changing hands. This is considered a level two inspection and is a standard recommended by NFPA 211 (National Fire Prevention Association) and recognized by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) by which we abide. The customer did not agree to the chimscans .
As part of our standard sweeping process and inspection we always examine each chimney on the property. In this case there were three chimney; living room fireplace, family room fireplace and furnace/water heater chimney. It is our practice to visually inspect at the roof top each of the venting systems in the home. It was after this inspection that we noted two different repairs that were needed.
[redacted] noted that the aluminum liner in the furnace chimney was not properly terminated at the top of the chimney. It required a top plate in order to secure the liner. As he found the liner, it was dangling freely in the flue. This situation is of concern and it is our duty as certified technicians to point it out to the homeowner. This was a small repair costing $100.00. He also noted that the cement crowns at the top of one fireplace and the furnace chimney were cracking and needed to be sealed to prevent water from entering and causing premature deterioration to the brick structure. This repair was quoted at $304.00 for both chimneys.
With regard to the customer's real estate attorney, he called and asked us to modify our work order to reflect that only two sweepings were completed and not to include our other findings. This we felt was highly unethical and as a result we stated that we could not provide what he requested. We never change a company document to make it appear that we did not see what in fact was noted by our technician.
In the case of the living room fireplace, the fireplace is a gas burning vent-less fireplace and it was swept and cleaned. According to our notes before the visit, the inspector stated that there was an issue with the unit not starting. In fact [redacted] had no luck starting the pilot and recommended based on the age of the unit that it should be replaced. It has been our experience that even if the pilot valve can be made to work it will likely fail again. A new vent-less unit which is the type that was in the fireplace would cost approximately $1400.00. The other company quoted a figure of $550.00 for a vented unit and that would be for an entirely different sort of gas log unit. I understand that this company was able to start the unit and as a result I would be prepared to pay their service cost. Please have the homeowner mail the receipt and we will refund the cost for the work they did to get the unit operating.
Ken and Doug did a great job with our chimney and furnace issues.
On 10-01-2014 Early Times Home Solutions cleaned my Dry vent out. I'm been using them for 4 Yrs.. They've been on time every time when I made an appointment with them.
The two technicians that did the work ([redacted] & [redacted] were professional and polite also cleaned up before they left.
I would recommend them.
Danny did an awesome job of replacing our chimney cover which blew off do to high winds. Very prompt service and fast installation. Thank you.
[redacted] did an awesome job on tuck pointing my building. [redacted] also cleaned up great. Super work! Very knowledgeable and experienced workers.
Simple chimney sweep turned into a lot more - new liner. Tough scenario but David explained it well as did your literature. Both he and his assistant were very professional throughout.
terrible service. I made an appointment to have the chimney cleaned on Wed. 10-19-16 for Thurs. 10-27. they show up on Mon 10-24, I tell them to come back Thurs. the 27th.
they called Mon the 24th and said the were sorry for the mix up, see you Thurs the 27th.
They show up Wed 10-26 when I wasn't home, telling my wife they're here now and going to do the job. I text her telling her to tell them to come back tomorrow the 27th.
foolishly, she let them in. When I got home they were gone. She paid them $159.00.
She doesn't know what they did.
I feel cheated and violated. I'm so angry at my wife for letting them in.
I don't trust them now..I wanted to be there when they did the cleaning.
I want the cleaning done again when I am there. I would NEVER recommend this company for anything. AND I will broadcast this bad experience to the world.