Think I Got Robbed: What to Do If Your Chimney Sweep Feels Like a Scam

Is it normal for a chimney sweep to finish the job in just ten minutes—and charge $350 for it? That’s exactly what one Reddit user experienced after hiring a highly rated company. If you’ve ever wondered what proper chimney cleaning should look like (and how much it should cost), you’re not alone.

What Really Happened: The Chimney Sweep Story

The story goes like this: after being off work from an injury, Electrical_Panic_360 wanted to finally tick “chimney cleaning” off the household list. They found a reputable-looking company online and called them up. In just two hours, a technician arrived. After a quick look inside the fireplace, he announced it needed a deep clean ($299) and an inspection fee ($49). The homeowner stepped outside for a phone call; ten minutes later, the worker claimed he was done and asked for payment.

That quick turnaround didn’t seem right. The price felt steep. And with no visible signs of work or explanation of what had been done… well, anyone would feel uneasy.

How Long Should a Proper Chimney Sweep Take?

A thorough chimney sweep isn’t something that happens in ten minutes—at least not if it’s done properly. Here’s what most professionals say:

• Standard Cleaning: 45 minutes to 1 hour for routine jobs
• Deep Cleaning: 1–2 hours (or more if there’s heavy buildup)
• Inspection: Usually another 15–30 minutes depending on the level

The technician should lay down drop cloths or tarps to protect your floors, use rotary or hand brushes (often with vacuums), check for blockages and damage inside the flue or liner, and provide a clear explanation (ideally with photos) of their findings.

So if your “deep clean” took as long as making a sandwich—something’s fishy.

What Does Chimney Cleaning Usually Cost?

Prices do vary by location and job complexity, but here’s what you can expect for standard residential service:

• Basic Sweep: $100–$200
• Deep Cleaning: $200–$350 (for serious buildup or neglected chimneys)
• Inspection Fee: Sometimes included; otherwise $50–$150

If someone quotes you at the top end of these ranges but finishes in record time—with little explanation—it’s worth questioning if they actually did all that was promised.

Red Flags That Might Mean You Got Scammed By Your Chimney Sweep

Nobody likes feeling taken advantage of by contractors. Watch for these warning signs:

• No drop cloths or protective gear used inside your home
• The job is finished much faster than expected (especially for deep cleans)
• No explanation or documentation of work performed—no before/after photos
• Pushing expensive extra services without evidence they’re needed
• Aggressive payment requests before you’ve checked their work
• No business card, invoice, or contact info provided (or only cash accepted)

If anything feels “off,” don’t hesitate to ask questions—or get a second opinion.

An Anecdote From Another Homeowner

A neighbor once shared they nearly fell for something similar—a contractor who promised a full inspection but wrapped up in under fifteen minutes. When asked for proof of work done up on the roof or inside the flue, he got defensive and left quickly when pressed further.

After calling another company for an inspection days later (who actually showed them soot buildup and explained every step), they learned that the first guy hadn’t cleaned anything at all.

If You Suspect You’ve Been Overcharged—or Under-Served

So what should you do next if your gut tells you something wasn’t right with your last chimney sweep?

• Ask For Documentation: Request photos or a written report detailing what was cleaned.
• Get A Second Opinion: Call another reputable company—even if it costs a little—to check their work.
• Leave An Honest Review: Share your experience on local forums or review sites.
• Report To Authorities: If you suspect outright fraud (especially with no business license), contact your local consumer protection office.

Most importantly—don’t let one bad experience make you distrust all contractors. There are plenty of honest pros out there who take pride in their work.

The Bottom Line on Chimney Sweeps and Avoiding Scams

A proper chimney sweep takes time—a quick dash-in-dash-out rarely means everything was done right. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before hiring someone, check reviews carefully (especially recent ones), and trust your instincts if something doesn’t add up.

Has anyone else had issues with suspiciously fast home service visits? How did you handle it?