Keeper of the Chimneys

I previously posted a review after reading an unhappy customer’s post. I have been a chimney sweep all my adult life and am very passionate and proud of what we do. I made an error in judgement when I posted my review. Charlie is a very nice man with TONS of experience and expertise in our field.
I wasn’t clear on the concept of Unilocal when it came to business owners. I now am and know that people depend on Unilocal more and more to find the right business and/​or person for the job so the reviews must be as accurate as possible. I apologize for not getting my own opinion before posting. I’m sorry that I made a mistake. I was not asked to change ANYTHING in my original post. I felt that what was right was right.
Thank you Charlie

Charlie has inspected 2 different homes with fireplaces for me.
As I remember the pricing that I got from one Chimney Repair person was much higher than His.
He did only what was needed but He did explain that there was other things that could be done, but at no time did he ever say that it was absolutely necessary.
He did mention that the items that I chose not to do will over time will cause them to fail.
Think about it, isn’t that what I asked him to do is to make my fireplace safe and secure for future use.
Yes it is, that is the reason they are called inspections.
And, duh, if you don’t maintain something it will fail at some point.
I see part of what Charlie does it to educate his customers and he told me some of the same safety tips on both houses.
Each house had totally different issues and he addressed only the issues that were necessary to make it safe and usable.
I will happily use him again.

A little pricey but he got the job done.
I thought my chimney needed to be swept due to smoke building inside the home. It turns out the fireplace opening was a little too large. He installed a plate which decreased the opening allowing for better upward flow of the smoke from the fire.
The fireplace works great now and am happy with his services.

I was very put off by Charlie. We had called him out for a chimney inspection. He explained on the phone that the inspection would be $ 89 if we go ahead and have some work done. Instead it would be $ 139 for just the chimney inspection. Charlie then created a list of «suggested» (strong armed) repairs. I wanted to double check, so I asked him again, if we had him do the list of repairs that it would bring the chimney inspection to $ 89 rather than $ 139. He said that it would be $ 139, even with the work that would be done. This was a red flag to me that he is not honest. I just had him do the inspection and I was happy to see him go. Charlie used fear and anxiety in his sales tactic. He tried to up sell me on many repairs, services, etc. He made comments like, «you can open yourself up for a lawsuit.» Not only were his pricing and sales tactics unethical but he was annoying. Charlie likes the sound of his own voice. I asked him about the giant Maltese Cross on his truck, inquiring if he is a firefighter (I am familiar with this, as my father was a firefighter.) Charlie proceeded to talk in circles about how he «used to run with» Livermore Fire Department. He talks a lot of talk, but he was not a firefighter.
Towards the end of my interaction with him,…yep…he is still talking… he is explaining to me about the Terra cotta of the chimney and «expansion and contraction.» Charlie asked me what I do for a living. I told him I work in mental health. He proceeds to tell me, «Oh, so you don’t understand this kind of stuff.» I reassured him that I obtained plenty of education. (Thank goodness my masters degree allows me to understand that grade school science topic!)
I would not use this company!

I have not used them, so I can’t vouche for their service, but I called to talk about the problems that I was having with my chimney and the woman that answered was AWESOME. Very kind, helpful and offered advise before scheduling someone to come out. No pressure and said I can call back any time if we have more questions. I will definitely use them if we can’t figure it out from here!

Do Not Use This Company.
These people are thieves.
I called to have my Chimney swept on 11÷21÷12. Charlie came to my house and within 21 minutes, used his «expertise knowledge» to tell me I needed a spark arrestor. He said I did not need my Chimney swept and that it would be $ 140 for his time (literally 21 minutes), inspection and his expertise, since he is a Master Chiney Sweep and all.
I was outraged and spoke with Charlie and his wife. Both said too bad, its the cost for his inspection report. I feel sick knowing these people took $ 140 of my hard earned money.
I have no problem paying for good service, but $ 140 for 21 minutes of work, I dont care what you do. Thats stealing.
If you use this company, shame on you.

I first emailed Charlie through his website (great website), I had some questions regarding fireplaces since I just bought my first house. He answered the email quickly and professionally. When it came time to do the clean, he was prompt and very courteous, my wife was home at the time and I was at work. She said he answered all questions, did a great job and recommended somebody for delivery of seasoned wood.
Overall we are very happy with his service and would definitely recommend him.

This is one of those small businesses that I’m proud to support!
Charlie’s wife runs the office, and Charlie is the sweep. He was at my house on time for the appointment, and as he set up, he regaled me with chimney sweep trivia,“You know that brides in Europe like to see a chimney sweep on their wedding day, right? It brings them luck!” and the origins of the Dura-​Flame logs, «made right here in California!»
He is a spry man, climbing ladders, folding himself into the hearth, and nimbly straddling roof peaks. He is careful and thorough and goes over any current and future needs and what they might cost.
When he’s finished, he gives you a certificate for your home insurance, which can lead to a discount! Charlie also gives great tips for more efficient fires, and gives a card to an Almond wood distributor — much better to burn than oak, it’s hotter and cleaner burning.
And when he’d left, my hearth was cleaner than before he arrived! Hestia the Greek goddess of hearth and home would have been very pleased.