CHIMNEY DOCTOR

Chimney Doctors was the MOST honest estimate I received. When I plan to do my fireplace renovation, I will definitely use them.

Chimney Doctor (Scott Wahlgren) is dishonest and does shoddy work. It took more than a year after the initial estimate for Scott to come and finish the work. Two years later, after I sold my house, the home inspection noted problems with the exterior of the chimney. These were the problems that Scott was supposed to have fixed. I called Scott and he promised to come and investigate. He did not show at the appointed time and then stopped returning my calls. I called another company to inspect the chimney and received an estimate for $2,200 additional repairs. Apparently Scott did not complete the job I had paid him to do, and mortar had fallen out in some of the areas he did repoint. I have researched the NJ contractors license # listed on his web site and found that it has expired. He has had multiple unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau. I agree with other reviewer: Do not do business with this person!

Don't trust this individual!

11/12/10 I give $1200 deposit to "Chimney Doctor" Scott Wallgren to start a masonry project on my fireplace material ordered 11/30/10 and material arrived at supply house on 12/21/10 Made 2 commitments to show at our house to begin work 1 prior to arrival of material and 1 after arrival of material, did not show and no returned/answered phone calls during that time. Responded days later with excuses. Finally showed for 1/2 day to base the fireplace, consisting of installing tyvek wrap and metal lathe. Assured me the entire time this job would be completed before Christmas, and it would be a quick job as soon as material arrived. He informs me by text on 12/23/10 that he cannot make all his customers happy and that he was sorry he cannot do the job before Christmas. Spoke to him Thursday 12/30/10 and he agreed to come to the house 1/3/11 at 9am. He never showed, he did not answer his cell phone or respond back to my messages. He reached out to me on 1/4/11, he came back to the house shortly after (around week of January 10th) telling me he would complete the small section left to stone and the hearth stone would be placed-job would be completed. I told him I would be running out and he asked if i could provide $1000 in cash for the final payment. I had paid him in cash prior and also let him work alone in my house prior with no prior issue. I get home later and find the hearth stone not installed. After several ignored text messages I went to the business that recommended him to me weeks later. I told them the situation and advised them to never recommended this person to anyone. They said he would try to call him. He texted me that day ( I cannot recall the exact date) asking when he could come by. He apologized and offered to clean our chimney for free. I told him when I would be around and he never got back to me. Few weeks later I went back to the referring business and told them the update. I have heard nothing since. He has ignored the complaint I filed with the BBB and a letter sent from my lawyer. I have just filed a complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, and will continue to pursue him legally to the fullest extent.

From the estimate, I was very excited about Chimney Doctor. Whereas I had other outfits try to sell me on a very expensive replacement stainless-steel chimney cap, Chimney Doctor came out and found a sealant issue, and was very honest about not needing to replace the cap. Also led me through a terrific discussion of aluminum caps vs. stainless caps. I was very excited to find an honest repair guy. BUT, I couldn't get him out here to fix the sealant! We arranged at least 2 different dates for which he didn't show. After a while, he simply stopped returning my phone calls, and never did come out to do the job he estimated. Too bad, because I really would've loved to given this guy a great rating. I had to go with somebody else.

I HAD FOUND THIS COMPANY THROUGH LOCAL FLYERS AND ADVERTISEMENTS. I CALLED AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITHIN A WEEK. THEY ARRIVED AND SET A TARP DOWN TO PROTECT THE FLOOR. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE LOUD FOR 15 MINUTES, THEN THEY WERE DONE.