The service scope library
Every service has a different purpose. Use these scope cards to understand the work, the evidence you should receive and the questions that make proposals comparable.
A sweeping appointment removes deposits from the agreed parts of a venting system. Its value depends on access, the kind of deposits, the appliance and what the company documents afterward. Ask about the firebox, smoke chamber, connector and flue separately: the word cleaning does not establish that every component is included.
An inspection is a defined examination, not just a quick look after cleaning. Explain whether this is routine maintenance, a property transaction, an appliance change or a response to damage. The reason for the visit helps the inspector determine the appropriate scope and access.
Chimney repair can involve the weather shell, venting system or both. Start with the observed defect and its cause, then evaluate the repair. Two estimates are not comparable when one patches a symptom and the other corrects a larger failure.
Brick faces, mortar joints and the crown work together to shed water and support the chimney. Repointing renews deteriorated joints; it cannot by itself correct unstable construction or eliminate every water-entry path. Older masonry needs particular care when selecting compatible repair materials.
A liner is part of a venting system designed around an appliance and fuel. Material, size, routing, insulation and termination all need consideration. A recommendation to reline should identify the existing condition and explain why the proposed system is suitable.
A cap or termination protects an opening while allowing the venting system to function as designed. The right product depends on the flue, appliance, fuel and chimney construction. A decorative cover chosen only by exterior dimensions can be the wrong fit.
A wet fireplace is the endpoint of a water path, not proof of where it begins. Caps, crowns, flashing, roof details, porous masonry and condensation need different responses. Record when moisture appears and ask the contractor to explain the path before selecting a treatment.