Estimates

Why we charge, When we charge, and what you can expect!!!!

One of the most common statements we hear on the phone is,  "You do not do free estimates, but it will only take 10 minutes to stop by and take a look!" 

And in some cases you are correct.  Estimates vary and there is a big difference between a broken damper handle and evaluating a water problem.  However, if you have lived here  long enough to drive to the store and back, then I am sure that you understand that nothing in Northern Virginia takes 10 minutes, when it involves a car.

When an estimate is free: We will do your estimate for free, if we are hired to do the work and a deposit is placed that day or we will refund your estimate fee, off your final invoice, if we are hired within 30 days of the date of estimate.  

FREE Second Opinions:  It is our duty as Professional trained, certified chimney sweeps to inform you honestly of the condition of your chimney.  Often times customers will collect estimates from companies, trying to figure out if they really need the work done and if they are really paying a fair price for it.  This often confuses the customer as to their needs.  Many times estimates say the same things but are written with different opinions and terminology.  We will be happy to come over and answer any questions you may have, free of charge, the next time we are in the area.  (in order to receive your free second opinion, you must give the technician a copy of the first estimate, failure to present this will result in a Service fee.)                                                                                                                                                                              

Locking you in:  We are not trying to "Lock you in" to any job. Charging allows us to be more attentive to our customers needs and allows us extra time to examine and explain any problems or concerns.  It also allows us to take less appointments in a day.  This benefit is passed on to you by having a smiling, professional at your door instead of a road raged, rushed, overworked technician.  You can expect our technicians to be professional, trustworthy, honest and in uniform at all time.  Should you get anything less, please call the office and ask to speak to Christine.

Other Companies:  There are other chimney companies that perform free estimates.  I have heard customers complain that a company either did not show up or showed up hours late.  That is probably because a paying customer called and wanted the same time slot and they were forced to "dump" the free estimates for the day. 

Here at Mitchel's if you are paying for that appointment slot, that is the same as a reservation and we will show up with in the time frame specified. (there are certain circumstances which the technician can be late, but we will do our best to let the customer know as soon as possible.) 

Another problem that customers have when dealing with companies with free estimates, is qualifications, many of these companies do not have certified or experienced technicians or references, so even though they have a free estimate, they suddenly find they don't trust it.

" Selling the Job"  If a chimney company does not charge for estimates than there is a great deal of pressure on them to "sell" the job, and that pressure is felt by the customer,  They have to make up the costs some how, and that could mean not doing a full evaluation and just offering quick inexpensive fixes that won't last.

At Mitchel's you can expect a full visual inspection on your entire appliance, followed by a detailed, accurate written estimate.  In most cases, you can expect the technician to set up his ladder and perform a full, roof top, inspection.  (Technician has the right to refuse if area is unsafe, wet or icy, but the customer reserves the right to reschedule when conditions change) 

Curious Customers: For customers who are just curious what a service would cost and are at the beginning of their research process, you are more then welcome to call our office, most of our Administrative staff in the office could get you a loose cost estimate on any job you are planning, you are also welcome to fax over another companies estimate and we could write up the estimate with our prices.  (please keep in mind that we will not accept any job that we have not personally seen, this is just a service for the curious shopper)

Masonry Too?  Lets not forget the masonry, we are a full service company and we perform services that most chimney companies will not.  Not only can we sweep your chimney, dryer vent or kitchen vents but we can also custom build a fireplace, perform new chimney construction and even stone or brick patios and landscaping.

  Masonry estimates take a considerable amount of time and the owner of the company does all masonry estimates himself.  He has experience in landscape design and can help you make your material and design decisions as well.

Qualified Staff:  A lot of chimney companies, usually the ones that offer free estimates are not fully licensed, insured and bonded.  Not only is our company fully insured, but you are more than welcome to call the office and arrange to have "proof of insurance" fax or mailed to you.  ("proof of insurance", is a document that is send out by the actual insurance company, not by the company itself, this way you know it is valid and up to date)

We have a full office staff, we do not rely on our voice mail to capture calls and we also experienced bricklayers, and laborers.  Our operation is more professional and more experienced than most and we have excellent references that we are more than happy to send to you.  Most of our employees have been with us for many years, because we pay and treat them fairly.  In order for us to maintain our excellent track record and to afford our overhead we have to charge for the estimates.