Inspection & Diagnostics Standard Procedures
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Years in business
General Information
Fireplace Use Prior to Your Appointment
Please make sure you do not burn or use your fireplace 24 hours prior to the above appointment date and time. If you use it within 24 hours, this will result in a cancellation of the work and a rescheduling fee as noted below.
Pet Policy
For liability purposes, please keep pets in a separate space during the time the technician(s) is on-site, so as to not disturb them while they are on duty.
On-Site Adult to Sign Work Acknowledgement and Make Payments
Our technician will start their appointment meeting a person 18 years or older who will sign the work acknowledgment at the end of the service visit and make payments due. Payment is due upon completion of the work unless you contact us to arrange for credit terms in advance. We accept cash, check, or credit cards.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens with work, kids and everyday tasks. It is our commitment to you to provide you with exceptional service from the moment you schedule your appointment. When we make appointments, our staff is waiting to serve you, as you are with them. Often, other clients want the same times or appointments as you, and we cannot accommodate them due to our prior commitment (to you).
If you are unable to make your appointment we kindly ask that you call 24 hours in advance at (818) 909-7044 to avoid a cancellation fee. Cancellation within the 24 hours and no show appointments will be charged the total amount of the service missed. We are more than willing to cancel or reschedule your appointment prior to 24 hours without consequence.
Appointment Holds
A credit card is required to reserve the appointment. This card can be used for payment after the service is performed or you may pay in cash or with a check. If there is a failure to follow our cancellation policy this card will be charged. Please see the attachment for further information.
After We Finish Your Work
A Service Link will be sent to your email which provides a summary of our work at your location. Please review it thoroughly and reach out to us for any questions or concerns.
Request your Service Link, it’s easy!
Gas Diagnostic Appointments Explained
Our gas diagnostic work is an assessment of the fireplace(s) in question.
There are hundreds of different brands and models of gas burning fireplace appliances. As such the technician’s work will first involve identification of the appliance, then the determination of steps needed to perform the diagnosis, and finally a diagnosis of the reason(s) for the appliance’s lack of proper function.
This diagnostic work may result in the appliance returning to normal operations at the time of the visit or may lead to a need for further work on the part of the technician (either on-site or at the office) and/or the need for new parts.
Technician fees for time beyond the first hour once on-site are $195/hr. The next visit fee starts at $245/hr., $195/hr. past one hour and the cost of any indicated parts. The technician shall inform you of this information prior to incurring any charges beyond the initial diagnostic fees.
Warranties only pertain to those of the appliance or part’s manufacturer. Fireplace Solutions and the technician’s work is not warrantied for any subsequent improper function of a part or all of the appliance and similar diagnostic fees shall be assessed for subsequent appointments.
NOTE: All gas services performed by the Company DO NOT entail any inspection work (L1, L2 or L3) of the appliance or confirm functionality, code compliance, or adherence to manufacturer listings or installation / operational specifications unless it is specifically documented in the service record for that visit.
NOTE: GAS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO THE FIREPLACE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE TO PERFORM OUR WORK.
Lack of gas will result in the need for a second visit and a second professional fee.
There are hundreds of different brands and models of gas burning fireplace appliances. As such the technician’s work will first involve identification of the appliance, then determination of steps needed to perform the diagnosis and finally a diagnosis of the reason(s) for the appliance’s lack of proper function.
This diagnostic work may result in the appliance returning to normal operations at the time of the visit or may lead to a need for further work on the part of the technician (either on-site or at the office) and or the need for new parts.
Technician fees for time beyond the first hour are $175/hr and cost of any indicated parts. The technician shall inform you of this information prior to incurring any charges beyond the initial diagnostic fees. Warranties only pertain to those of the appliance or part’s manufacturer.
Fireplace Solutions and the technician’s work is not warrantied for any subsequent improper function of a part or all of the appliance and similar diagnostic fees shall be assessed for subsequent appointments.
NOTE: If your fireplace appliance is over-sized, the technician reserves the right for additional charges to occur based on the service request.
NOTE: All gas services performed by the Company DO NOT entail any inspection work (L1, L2 or L3) of the appliance or confirm functionality, code compliance or adherence to manufacturer listings or installation / operational specifications unless it is specifically documented in the service record for that visit.
NOTE: GAS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO THE FIREPLACE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE TO PERFORM OUR WORK. Lack of gas will result in the need for a second visit and a second professional fee.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS Appointments Explained
The 3 levels of chimney inspections standardized by the NFPA
Level 1 (Readily accessible components):
Routine annual inspections of readily accessible portions of your chimney, fireplace and connections (Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance, or repair, without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels, or coverings)
Level 2 (System changes, video scanning, Real estate transactions):
Level 2 inspections are required when changes are made to the chimney system, like repair of a flue or chimney relining, replacement, or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency. A level 2 inspection is also required upon sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event has likely damaged the chimney structure.
Level 3 (In-depth, suspected hazards):
Level 3 inspections are required when a hazard is detected during a level 1 or 2 inspection that cannot be evaluated without removal of components of the chimney or building.
NOTE: ANNUAL INSPECTION & SWEEP – The NFPA highly recommends an annual inspection of all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents in accordance with the 211 standards, section 10.2 & 11.3. The inspection should also take place upon the replacement of an appliance, an operating malfunction, or an external event likely to have caused damage. Chimneys should be swept annually per the national standard by certified fireplace and chimney professionals. Read more on the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website.
Preliminary Terms and Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions:
- The client understands that the Company’s Technician may not obtain access to certain portions of the fireplace and chimney in certain enclosed adjacent areas due to a lack of access or safety hazards for the Technician.
- The Technician will make access determinations based on material condition or type, safe practices, and weather conditions found at the time of the inspection.
- Access to the roof and upper chimney may not be obtained due to the roofing material and the height of the chimney.
- The Technician makes no representations express or implied and will not be responsible in any way whatsoever for deficiencies, damage materials, improper installation, or improper equipment in inaccessible areas.
- If comprehensive destructive testing or demolition of appliances defined within this scope of work then additional deficiencies may be found by the Technician.
- The Technician shall present to the Client any newly found deficiencies in addition to a Change Of Work (COW) order for the client to determine the next steps.
- The Company and Technician are not responsible and shall make no warrantees of safe and functional appliance performance until all found deficiencies along the course of inspections and work are resolved.
- The smoke-free operation of the inspected system systems is not warranteed nor are we responsible for inadequate system draft caused by competing mechanical systems, general construction conditions or applications, adverse wind conditions, and/or unusual environmental factors or conditions beyond our control.
- The findings listed within this or any report, quote, proposal or contract are based on the condition of the appliance system(s) at the time of this inspection or work and maybe limited due to access, safety concerns or type of inspection requested.
- The client understands that an inspection or work performed represents the system(s) requested by the Client only.
- This inspection or other work does not include any additional appliance, chimney or fireplaces system(s) not request to be inspected or included in the scope of work.
- The Technician makes no representation express or implied and will not be responsible in any way whatsoever for the deficiencies, damaged material, improper installation, or improper equipment of these un-inspected / un-worked on the system(s) and their components.
- If the Client listed on this report chooses to ignore or decline the recommendations or COW orders supplied by Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper within this report, then the Client willfully releases Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper and their employees of all liabilities for any property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
- If an inspection takes place during a resale or transaction of property, then the Company recommends that all repair suggestions made within this report should be completed well before the close of escrow, by a licensed specialist, who may identify additional defects or recommend some upgrades that could affect your valuation of this property.
- Any report, quote, proposal, contract or work performed has been produced in accordance with the above and is subject to the terms and conditions agreed herein.
- All printed materials or oral comments expressed herein are those of the Technician and the Company and can only be considered an opinion.
REPORT DISCLAIMERS
Reports are the exclusive property of Fireplace Solutions the Chimney Sweeper. When a report is for the required Level II inspection for the sale or transfer of property it is mandatory that full notification of defects be made to the current owner and the potential buyer.
Recommendations
Any recommendations are made as a service to our customers and are not a contract or proposal for work for repairs even if an approximate cost is given. If requested a separate repair estimate may be submitted.
Grandfathering
When chimney repair is found to be necessary due to potentially hazardous or unsafe conditions, there is no grandfathering for any portion of the chimney. There is no state or national code that Grandfathers any portion of a chimney that represents a potential hazard.
Professional chimney inspection
Reports are the result of a professional chimney inspection. The report reflects the level of chimney inspection as stated in the report. Everything in this report is factual and supported by the standards represented in the International Residential Building Code 2006, NFPA 211 2016, U.L. and manufacturer installation instructions. The observations in this report are factual and fully supported by documentation, codes, and standards.
Inspection level indicated
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 211) has 3 levels of inspection. We have added a basic level for estimating purposes.
The basic estimating level is restricted to the areas required for a specific estimate request such as an exterior chimney repair. This level does not assess the usability, safety or functionality of the entire structure. This level is a courtesy for the convenience of the client to provide an estimate for the repairs desired.
The NFPA 211 level or combination of levels used will be indicated on the report.
Visual observation
All aspects of this report are taken from visual observations. Visual observations whether an internal camera system is used or not are limited in scope by the angle of perspective. Hidden flaws could exist that are not available for a visual observation from the angle of the perspective available.
Inaccessible areas
There are areas of the chimney, fireplace or appliance that are not available for inspection. These areas include but are not limited to attic space, hearth support, hearth extension, basement, crawl space, areas concealed between floors and walls and areas that the person inspecting may not have been given access to at the time of the inspection. Roof construction or weather conditions may limit or prohibit roof access.
The Customer understands that the Inspector cannot obtain access to certain portions of the fireplace and certain enclosed adjacent areas. The Inspector makes no representations express or implied and will not be responsible in any way whatsoever for deficiencies, improper installation, or improper equipment in inaccessible areas.
The findings listed within this report are based on the condition of the appliance system at the time of this inspection and may be limited due to access or type of inspection requested
Inspection validity timeframe
We cannot control what happens to this chimney, fireplace, vent, or appliance after we leave the location. Customers may move or construct things that change the clearance to combustibles. Weather, use, misuse, lack of use, vegetation, age, and alterations are just some of the factors that can change the condition of the structure. We will not be held responsible for any of these changes that may affect the suitability for use of this chimney, vent or appliance.
Suitable for intended use
The purpose of the inspection is to determine reasonable suitability to use this chimney, appliance, vent, or fireplace as the structure was intended when constructed or inspected. A fireplace is intended to be used as an ornamental structure that is designed for short term use and not as a source of heat. The use of a fireplace or other appliance in a way that is not intended to be used could present a hazard.
Measurements
Some of the measurements in this report are approximations. Some of the approximations are used to aid the estimator to write a proposal for work. These approximations are also valuable to help determine the proper equipment needed to ensure the safety of the chimney professionals doing any of the proposed work. Any inaccuracies in any of these approximations do not invalidate the findings in this report.
Confidentiality
Any written reports, proposals, quotes or contracts produced are the exclusive property of Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper and the Client whose name appears herewith and is Confidential. Any use in part or in whole by any unauthorized persons, including third-party transactions is prohibited. Subject to exceptions mutually agreed upon by the parties to this Agreement in advance and in writing, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain confidential and protected from disclosure except as required by law.
All material is guaranteed to be as specified and warrantied accordingly
All work to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents or delays beyond our control. Owner to carry fire, tornado and other necessary insurance. Our workers are fully covered by Workmen’s Compensation Insurance and Business Liability.
*All our contracted work comes with a four (4) years limited warranty provided that the fireplace, decorative gas appliance, fire pit, dryer vent or any other system is inspected, swept and monitored for deterioration annually from the time of work by Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper. This warranty is non-transferable, is not eligible for extension and is only for the address listed in this quote. A maintenance contract provided by the Company is recommended to fulfill this requirement.
Any tampering or changing of our installation or repair by another company or negligence by the homeowner will void the warranty. Maintenance should only be performed by a qualified NFI certified per manufacturer.
Service Link Portal
Your personal portal for easy access to pre and post job informations, reports, quotes, and education!
Fireplace Solutions provides you easy access to all your fireplace and dryer vent information via your personal Service Link portal. Service Link includes data work we intend to do and the work we perform such as text, pictures, short videos, reports, quotes and educational materials.
How to sign up for your individual Service Link
It’s fast and easy:
- Head to our portal website: https://portal.chimneysweeper.com/
- Click on ‘Request Account’
- Fill in info (Name, Email, Password) and click on ‘Request Access’
- Save you Password for future use!
Once you complete Steps 1-3, the office will validate your request for you to access your Service Link Portal
Check you Portal before and after all work per-formed for updated information
Please call us at (818) 909-7044 for any questions on signing up or using Service Link.
SAMPLE OF WHAT YOUR SERVICE LINK WILL LOOK LIKE:
We are a California State Licensed Contractor (CA St.Lic. #1014493) serving Southern California since 1969.
Our senior technicians are CSIA, NFI and FIRE Certified and the Company members in related organizations including the National Chimney Sweep Guild, AAGLA, AOA, CAI and HBPA. Certificates of insurance are available upon request for Liability, Workers Compensation and Vehicle Insurance. Please ask us for references.
