Chimney Problems

[gehayi]

ETA: I have called West Hartford Public Works, because they helped pay for home repairs before. My social worker, who is a lovely man, is doing some double-checking on the company and is sending the guy who DID do my chimney a couple of years ago out to check on the state of the chimney. The social worker, however, feels that they were con artists

Comments

[smurasaki]

All I can do is offer hugs and sympathy. Maybe there's help somewhere for low income home owners? (Though, sadly, I wouldn't hold my breath.) I'm sorry. :(

[gehayi]

There actually is, and I called them--West Hartford Public Works. My social worker called the guy who DID do the chimney two years ago, and he will be driving out to check on the state of it.

If the chimney does need repair, no problem, they can do it.

If the chimney does NOT need repair, I will feel like an idiot for being taken in, but I will also be delighted that I don't have to pay for any repairs.

So I am much less tense now than I was. Evidently your good wishes worked!

[lee_rowan]

I remember the "Save Dave" online auction a couple of years back that helped a fan escape foreclosure. I'm cash-poor, as usual, but would be happy to help with one for the chimney. There are vintage Star Trek zines in a tub that I'll never read again... They could go up. And it'd clear some space, which is always good.

We had to have a chimney relined ages ago, in order to fix our first place up well enough to sell. It cost $4K, so $2700 -- aim higher, there might be complications -- is not unreasonable.

Seriously, I think an auction is the way to go.

[asphodeline]

This is a good idea - also, do you still have a paypal account set up?

[gehayi]

Yes, and thank you. However, hold onto your money for now. I called West Hartford Public Works. My social worker called the guy who DID do the chimney two years ago, and he will be driving out to check on the state of it.

If the chimney does need repair, no problem, Public Works can do it and can pay for it.

If the chimney does NOT need repair, I will feel like an idiot for being taken in, but I will also be delighted that I don't have to pay for any repairs.

[asphodeline]

I have everything crossed for you, sounds positive. I really fear chimneys going wrong.

[rikibeth]

I'm so sorry. Wish I could have got you a tax REFUND. :(

[gehayi]

Meh, it's okay. You did an awesome job just getting the taxes done on time!

Anyway, I called West Hartford Public Works. My social worker called the guy who DID do the chimney two years ago--at the same time that I got the furnace replaced--and he will be driving out to check on the state of it.

If the chimney does need repair, no problem, Public Works can do it and can pay for it.

If the chimney does NOT need repair, I will feel like an idiot for being taken in, but I will also be delighted that I don't have to pay for any repairs.

[aishabintjamil]

I think your social worker is probably right. There are several things in this story that raise my "scam artist" warning flags.

First, there's the high pressure sales. Reputable contractors understand that clients want to get bids, and written estimates. If anyone ever wants to do significant work (say > $500) for you, get a written bid. If they won't write up a bid, and you don't know them personally, run away.

Second, there's the repeated change in price, as you said no, coupled with the scare tactics (it could fall through your roof - you need to do it now). That smells rotten. I'm going to be that if you asked them questions about whether the "patch job" would have met building codes they would have had even more evasive things to say.