What to Expect Before Your Chimney Sweep Appointment: A Homeowner’s Guide

A Message from Norman, Owner of A Noble Sweep—If you’ve scheduled a chimney sweep appointment in the Greater New Orleans Area, you’re already taking a smart step toward maintaining a safe, efficient home. Whether your fireplace is a source of heat, ambiance, or both, your chimney plays a vital role in venting smoke and gases safely outside. Over time, soot, creosote, and debris build up in the flue—raising the risk of chimney fires and reducing airflow. A professional sweep eliminates these hazards, ensuring everything works as it should.

But not all chimney sweep appointments are created equal. The old saying, “Let the buyer beware,” is more relevant in this industry than ever.

After decades in the business, I’ve seen too many homeowners burned—literally and figuratively—by unqualified chimney services. This guide is what I wish every customer knew before hiring a chimney sweep.

Key Takeaways

• Many chimney sweep businesses operate without proper training or oversight—choose your provider carefully.
• A Noble Sweep offers professional, fully insured service in the Greater New Orleans Area, backed by decades of experience.
• Expect clear communication, proper inspection protocols, and thorough cleaning from rooftop to firebox.
• Your technician should provide a complete, photo-supported report before leaving your property.
• Poorly done chimney work can lead to fire hazards, structural damage, and insurance issues—don’t take the risk.

The Danger of “So-Called” Chimney Pros

In our region, anyone with a truck, a shop vac, and brushes from Home Depot can advertise as a chimney sweep. And many do—without training, licensing, or code knowledge. These outfits can legally replace fireplaces or perform major chimney repairs without real oversight, leaving the homeowner vulnerable.

And unless you’re well-versed in national and local building codes, it’s unlikely you’ll recognize violations until it’s too late—potentially years down the road.

Take this image, for example: a multimillion-dollar remodel completed by a “professional” crew. Yet the installation breaks just about every safety code in the book. With improper clearances to combustibles, heat will transfer into the surrounding woodwork. And while new wood may take longer to ignite than old, dry timber, it will still catch fire.

Often, these fires smolder slowly before erupting into flames—in the middle of the night, while the family sleeps.

The Insurance Implications of Poor Fireplace Work

We’ve seen increased insurance claims related to chimney failures in the Greater New Orleans Area. Insurers are taking note—and in some cases, they’re:

• Excluding coverage
• Raising premiums
• Or cancelling policies outright

All because of poor installation or lack of maintenance.

This means homeowners who hire the wrong sweep may unknowingly void their insurance, putting their families and property at enormous risk.

What You Should Expect from a Professional Chimney Sweep

As the owner of A Noble Sweep, I’ve often been asked to send proof of insurance directly from my provider to clients. That’s standard practice for real estate professionals, builders, and commercial managers. Surprisingly, few homeowners ask for the same documentation—even though they should. At A Noble Sweep, we don’t wait to be asked—we provide proof of insurance, licensing, and credentials as a standard part of our customer onboarding. It’s another way we help you feel confident before, during, and after your chimney sweep appointment.

If you’re preparing for a chimney sweep appointment, here’s what you should expect at every stage.

BEFORE Your Appointment

• Prompt, professional, and personable response to your call or web form
• Experience-based job planning with knowledgeable staff
• Transparent fee schedule, including any applicable discounts
• Proof of:
  • Commercial liability insurance
  • Commercial vehicle insurance
  • Workers’ compensation (with current expiration dates)
• Proper licensing (watch for out-of-state providers)
• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and customer reviews
• Appointment reminder via text or email the day prior

DAY OF the Appointment

• Notification when the technician is en route
• On-time arrival (or update if more than 15–20 minutes late)
• Branded company vehicle and professional uniform
• The technician matches the photo and info from your email reminder

DURING the Appointment

• Full inspection from rooftop, attic, floor level, and crawl space (if applicable)
• Proper protection of floors, furniture, and the work area
• Commercial-grade vacuum (HEPA or equivalent) and ladder suited for your home’s height
• Full sweep of hearth, firebox, and surrounding areas
• No leftover ash, soot, or debris

Final Report: No Guesswork, No Surprises

Before leaving your property, the technician should provide a detailed report with:

• Photos
• Videos
• Written documentation of all findings and work performed

These should be delivered by email or text before departure, and the company should retain a copy for your future reference.

Why Choose A Noble Sweep?

My hope is that this information will help you in choosing the right company for your needs. This guide isn’t theoretical—it’s based on our real policies and daily practices. At A Noble Sweep, we follow this process every time. We believe homeowners deserve more than just a clean chimney. You deserve:

• Trustworthy service
• Full transparency
• Professionalism from start to finish

I’ve seen what can go wrong when corners are cut. If you’re in the Greater New Orleans Area, let A Noble Sweep show you what right looks like—clean, safe, and by the book. – Norman