Jack Pixley's Homeowner's Guide

Always ask for references

This is probably the most important step a homeowner can take when deciding which contractor to use. The ideal reference to get from a contractor would be their current client and also the contractor's previous two clients. Some important questions to ask when calling a reference would be:

1. Was the job started and finished on time?
2. Was the job completed for the agreed upon price?
3. Was it easy to contact the contractor if needed?
4. Would you hire the same company if you had to do it all over again?

Is the contractor insured?

All contractors should have liability, worker's compensation, and property damage insurance. Without these, you (the homeowner) may be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur.

Does the contractor warrant their work?

It's always best to have a written warranty from the contractor in case problems arise. Occasionally, unexpected situations occur. It's very comforting for a homeowner to know that the contractor will return to repair any problems if they were at fault.

How long has the company been in business?

If a company has been well established for a long period of time, it is likely that they have a strong reputable business that will be around for a long time to come. This is important with respect to warranties.

Call the:
Better Business Bureau
(414) 273-1600

NARI (414) 771-4071
(National Association of the Remodeling Industry)

How is the contractor's customer service?

When calling around for estimates it is important to look at the contractor's initial customer service. Do they return your phone calls in a timely manner? Did they arrive when expected for the estimate? This is always a good indication of how they will perform on the job if you decide to hire them.

Are their prices competitive?

Although it is hard not to jump at the lowest price, always look before you leap. If one estimate is significantly lower or higher than the others you may find that some contractors are cutting corners or not insured, or that the higher priced estimates may be using better materials.

Sub-Contractors?

Does the contractor use sub-contractors to do some, or all, of their work - or do they hire full-time employees? This will definitely effect the pricing scale that they use. All the information you have taken the time to find out about this company may not be valid with the sub-contractor.

WHY CHOOSE
Jack Pixley Sweeps?

Building Permits:

Whether relining flues, re-bricking and remodeling chimneys, we always obtain building permits and have the city building inspector check our work. This is required by cities to make certain contractors are doing their work in accordance with building codes and UL Listings. Since chimneys are a leading source of fires loss, proper inspection is important. (Note: In some cities permits are not required for cosmetic chimney repair.)

Owner Jack Pixley has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) since 1980. (In order to remain certified one must retest or obtain 40 continuing education credits every 3 years.) All five of our Service Technicians and our two masons are currently certified by the CSIA. (You can check this out on www.csia.org)

We use the latest chimney sweeping techniques and most flues are swept using the latest chimney power rotary sweeping techniques. We schedule only 4 homes per day per certified technician. We do not use scare tactics but we do try to explain the facts.. We charge fair prices for our work and do not use chimney sweeping as a loss leader to get our foot in the door so as to up-sell or get more work. (This is common practice for some chimney sweeps/duct cleaners who often go to more than 8 homes per day. Work is often poorly done or not done at all… by people who are not certified. In my experience, it is not possible to properly sweep and inspect the average fireplace in less than an hour. Duct cleaning can not be completed in less than 2 ½ hours so in order to do both will take at least close to 4 hours.)

National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) since 1978

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota – 651-699-1111

Angie’s List – 612-339-6600 - (Super Service Award winner 2005, 2006 and 2007)

We are a company with integrity and always tell the truth.  We treat every home owner the way we would want our family to be treated. Our motto: “The Name you can Trust”

We do not hire sub-contractors to do our work and give the illusion that they are our employees.  All of our employees are paid hourly rather than on straight commission.

We have quarterly safety training meetings conducted by our insurance company.

We carefully test and screen employees for: trustworthiness; freedom from substance use; courtesy; emotional maturity; conscientiousness; job commitment; safe job performance.

We have never tried to be the biggest.  We have always tried to be the best.

We carry full liability and property damage insurance.  We have workers compensation insurance on all employees.

Jack Pixley has only missed one annual NCSG National Convention, Seminars, Workshops and Trade Show since 1978.  (this was due to health)  Often our company sends employees for training to the annual convention and to the CSIA National Training School outside Indianapolis, Indiana.  Although this is costly, we consider it an investment in our staff which enables them to provide our customers with the best professional service available.

Minneapolis Star and Tribune articles:
October 23, 1977 (five page article in Picture Magazine – Sunday paper)
October 31, 1992 (Shelter section – Saturday paper)

Anoka News Herald – 1977

Family Handyman Magazine

World Magazine and Ranger Rick (National Geographic) and Smithsonian Magazine

KSTP 1500 AM - featured guest numerous times on Saturday morning Home and Garden Show with Loren Kohnen (building inspector)

WCCO 830 AM – numerous times

Featured on PM Magazine (I think about 1983)

Evening television news: WCCO with Bill Carlson, KSTP with Cyndy Brucato (I think it was Channel 9 and 11 with Nancy Nelson and Chick McCuan (sp ?)) 

Presidents Award – 1996 Atlanta, Georgia (given to one individual each year at annual convention “For exemplary personal service and commitment to the United States chimney service industry”)

Lifetime Achievement Award – 2003 Hershey, Pennsylvania (“In recognition of immeasurable contributions and endless efforts to advance the United States chimney service industry” - Jack Pixley is currently the only individual to ever receive this award given at the annual convention)

Dealer of the Year Award – 1987

Superior Dealer “Award of Excellence” – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(we hope to earn it this year for 2007)