Complaint Review: Woodburners Chimney Sweep and Repair Inc.

Be warned - Whatever you do, do not hire Woodburners in Manassas for any work.  They are not licensed and will jump through hoops to mislead you with the ultimate goal of ripping you off. 

I contacted Woodburners (they had cleaned my chimney several years before) to have my fireplace damper/flue repaired, if necessary.  Merchant advised that I needed to have the chimney completely relined which would include a new damper system.  Merchant wanted 50% down with balance due on completion.  I tried to cancel the work a few days later (well prior to when the work was scheduled) and wasadvised that I was not entitled to a refund of my deposit as materials had been "special ordered" specifically for my home and that they may actually charge me more if I cancelled to cover their out-of-pocket expense.  When I made the downpayment, Iwas not advised verbally nor did I sign anything in writing that anything was special order or that my deposit, once paid, was not refundable.  I have since learned from reputable chimney companies that the materials necessary absolutely were not special order and I should have been permitted to cancel at any time prior to any work being done.

When the so-called work was completed, they requested a check for the balance and gave me $50 off the full price.  I asked about making sure the fireplace was in working order and they noted on the work order and advised me verbally that they would be back the following Wednesday to test.  They did not come and I called at the end of the week and was told they would be out sometime the following week. 

During that period I got an estimate for a gas fireplace installation that was advised that the chimney work was well below standard and would be extremely dangerous with any type of fire, and was advised to contact Fairfax County for an inspection.

Woodburners charged me $2,450 for the job.  They never returned to test the fireplace, removed portions of the original chimney and left it totally inoperable without a flue or damper to keep the cold air out.

Avoid these people like the plague.