TJ's Chimney Service & Fireplaces

On the day of the estimate, the technicians showed up at the last minute of the window I was given. Then while they were standing in my living room they sprung a $250 inspection charge to proceed. I was not previously informed that there was any cost for the estimate. I'd already taken time off work and had waited two weeks for the estimate. Of course I agreed. Then, while they inspected, the lead tech gave me a ballpark number for stove and install of $3500-4500. Official estimate came out to 11k. How can someone do business this way? If I agree to the install the actual will probably cost me 15k or more. I called for my $250 back; they said since I agreed to the inspection that they wouldn't. I feel manipulated.

Thank you for the reply. To clarify — I was given a proposal that included a single line item of $876.90 with no description of materials, labor, or scope of work. I replied to your office asking for a breakdown of what was included in that quote, but I never received a response. Without a clear explanation or itemization, I wasn’t comfortable approving that estimate. The technician later attempted a partial repair that was neither completed nor up to code, which led to another company having to remove and reinstall the work properly. I’ve tried to handle this matter fairly and transparently. My only goal in posting my experience is to make sure other customers have the full picture before making their own decision.