Over half of all homes feature a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or another type of hearth product. Despite this, not all fireplaces are equal and some are of higher quality than others.
Whether you need to get a fireplace installed or you’re looking for fireplace repair services, you need to hire contractors you can rely on. Professional contractors can get the job done right and help ensure your home has a fireplace that you love.
Follow these contractor selection tips when hiring a fireplace contractor in Dubuque, IA.
Years of Experience
One of the most essential things to look for in a Dubuque fireplace contractor is experience. Be sure that the fireplace professionals know exactly how to install fireplaces correctly and meet all state and federal codes when doing so. It’s essential that the company meets all safety and compliance standards and can build your fireplace with precision, durability, and quality in mind.
To verify that the fireplace contracting company is the real deal, carefully evaluate their background. Check their website and speak to them to find out how long they’ve been in business, what their history of installations is, and what makes them qualified for the job. Checking that they have proper credentials such as licenses and certifications can help you to verify that they’re professional and operating by the book.
Fireplace Services and Options
It’s ideal to hire a professional fireplace contractor who offers a few different options regarding what kind of fireplace they can install. Whether you want a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace, ensure they can meet your needs, no matter what kind of fireplace you choose for your home.
Ensure the contractor can install a fireplace that’s suited to your home and your goals. Find out what kind of customization options they offer and what features you can choose from. Some contractors won’t offer a lot of customization options, so you need to ensure that the one you hire doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Reasonable and Transparent Pricing
When hiring a fireplace contractor, get a few different quotes before you make your choice. A reputable and reliable fireplace contractor should be happy to give you a free estimate if you request one. Be sure to compare a few contractors to find one that’s right for you.
The cost of a fireplace installation can vary by quite a bit. You’ll need to ensure that you have an accurate and transparent quote so that you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Every home is different in what it requires to install a fireplace, so if a contractor offers one-size-fits-all pricing, you may want to stay away. Be sure to choose a contractor that has plenty of experience but also offers a reasonable price.
A Great Reputation
When hiring a fireplace installation contractor or fireplace repair services, learn about their reputation first. Check for online reviews on a contractor to learn more about the experiences other customers have had with them.
It’s also important to ask the contractor for references and referrals so that you can speak to their past clients directly. Also, ask to see their portfolio to get a clear picture of the work they performed in the past to ensure it offers the level of quality that you want.
Excellent Customer Service
It’s also essential that you evaluate the contractor’s attitude and level of customer service. If a contractor isn’t easy to get along with or doesn’t seem to truly care about your needs, then they probably aren’t worth hiring.
You need to feel comfortable with any installer or fireplace repair company that you choose for your fireplace. When initially speaking with them and inquiring about their services, consider how well they communicate and how personable they are.
A Clear Contract
Before hiring a fireplace company, ensure that the contract you sign is clear. The contract should include information regarding the scope of the work and the costs and timelines for the work that will be performed. You should also ensure that there’s information on the warranty as well.
If there’s anything you don’t understand about the contract, don’t start the project. You and your contractor should be on the same page before you hire them.
Your Questions Answered
When trying to choose a fireplace installer or repair company in Dubuque, make sure that you ask plenty of questions. You should be fully satisfied with your fireplace installation so make sure that you hire a contractor who knows what they’re doing and can help answer any questions you have.
A contractor should be happy to answer anything that you ask them and should be able to clear up any concerns you have regarding your installation. Don’t move forward with the installation until you know that you’ll be happy with it and know it will fully keep you warm in the winter. Ask all questions that you need to so that you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect.
Service Availability
It’s also important to verify a contractor’s availability when choosing a contractor to install your fireplace. Fireplace contractors are often very busy and they may have multiple projects on their to-do lists. You should think carefully about the timeline and know when you want your fireplace to be completed. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the project timeline when you hire a fireplace contractor.
In some cases, you may need to wait months before the company is able to start the installation. Keep this in mind when hiring a contractor. Ask about their availability early on so that you’ll know what to expect.
Hiring a Fireplace Contractor in Dubuque, IA
If you need to install or repair a fireplace, don’t choose a fireplace contractor haphazardly. Ensure that you hire a contractor who will deliver quality results and who has the skills and experience needed for the job.
When looking for a fireplace contractor in Dubuque, consider Birch Heating and Cooling Fireplace and Patio. We’ve been serving the area since 1996 and have an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We proudly serve Dubuque, IA as well as surrounding areas including Asbury, Dyersville, and beyond.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help with your fireplace installation and repair needs.
