Frequently asked questions

How do I book a sweep?

Call or WhatsApp Jamie. If we are on a job, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can, usually the same day.

What are your opening hours?

We are open Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 5pm. Sat, 9am to 12pm. If you call outside those hours, please leave a message or send a WhatsApp and we will reply the next working day.

Which areas do you cover?

The whole of Norfolk, including Fakenham, Holt, Norwich, King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Cromer, Dereham, Thetford, Diss and every village in between.

Should the fire be out before you arrive?

Yes. The fire or stove should be completely extinguished from the previous night. We cannot sweep a live appliance safely, so if it is still live we may need to rearrange your visit.

What if I need to cancel or rearrange?

Please let us know as soon as you can, and give at least 48 hours' notice wherever possible. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, we reserve the right to charge 50% of the quoted price, and if less than 12 hours' notice is given, the full amount quoted. We reserve the right to charge up to the full quoted price if we cannot obtain access to the property or the appliance is still live, in accordance with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. Nothing here affects your cancellation rights under UK consumer law.

When do I pay?

Payment is due after the visit unless we have agreed a different arrangement with you in advance. For larger or ongoing commercial work, any different payment terms are agreed as part of the quote or contract. Please ask when booking if you need to check how to pay.

What does a sweep include?

Dust sheets down, a HEPA filtered vacuum, a full sweep of the flue, checks of the accessible parts of the chimney and appliance, and a certificate before we leave. We take care to protect the work area and aim to leave the room as clean as we found it.

How long does a sweep take?

Most domestic sweeps take 45 to 60 minutes, including dust sheeting, sweeping, a smoke test and the certificate.

Do I need to move anything?

Please keep the work area accessible and make sure children and pets are kept safely away while we work. Let us know in advance about fragile fittings or anything else we should take particular care around.

Can you remove a bird's nest?

Yes, outside the protected nesting season, typically September to February. We will also check your existing cowl while we are there.

What if you find a problem?

If we discover a blockage, heavy deposits or anything else that makes the work different from what was described, we will explain what we have found and discuss any change in price before doing additional chargeable work. You can decide whether to go ahead with that work.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes. We issue a professional sweep certificate on the day, which home insurers and letting agents accept as proof of an annual sweep.

Is a sweep the same as a full structural survey?

No. A routine sweep checks accessible parts of the chimney and appliance, but it is not a full structural survey or a guarantee that the entire system is free from hidden defects. We will tell you about any concerns we notice and recommend further investigation where appropriate.

Do you fit cowls or carry out roof work?

We don't. We check accessible cowls and terminals as part of a sweep or inspection, but fitting a new cowl and any roof work is left to trusted local contacts who can provide their own quote.

How often should my chimney be swept?

At least once a year for wood, multi fuel and smokeless coal, and once a year for oil and gas appliances. Sweep twice a year if you burn daily through winter.

Are you registered?

Yes. SG Chimney Sweep is registered with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, and Steve holds the NVQ chimney sweep qualification through the Guild. Guild members are trained, assessed and insured, so our certificates are accepted by insurers and landlords.