Fred's Chimney Magic

Good worker. Explained everything. Will probably use in the future for various and sundry jobs that may need to be done.

JFT sent two knowledgeable and professional representatives who determined that the old liner could only be completely removed via jack hammering open the chimney, with subsequent repair masonry. Also installed new liner the length of the extended chimney.

They came out and gave a detailed estimate on the work we needed done, and at our request, other things they could do (repair some missing bricks above the roof line ofn the chimney, install a flue, etc.) if we wanted more done at our option. They did seem to think that the chimney below the roof line needed repointing, but we had already had a (well reputed Angie's List) masonry expert look at it, and knew it was fine. I think the person giving the estimate didn't recognize what the masonry expert called 'rake effect' brick laying; what looks like missing grout is actually recessed grout, put in that way deliberately. Fred's Chimney Magic doesn't represent themselves as masonry experts, so I didn't take issue with this. But I would recommend having a masonry expert look at brick work first or as a second opinion (in any context, not just for estimates from this company.) Their prices were very reasonable, and they have a good reputation on Angie's List, so we booked them to put in the liner and rebuild the chimney crown. When they came to do the work, they discovered that inside the chimney was partially blocked by cement so the liner wouldn't go in, and they had to make an opening in the side from outside, remove the blockage and repair the hole before putting in the liner. Amazingly, they did not charge us extra for this. They did an excellent job on the liner and the crown repair. The repair of the hole they had to make was also perfect, if you didn't know where to look you wouldn't notice at all. We would highly recommend Fred's Chimney Magic for their service level and pricing. They were professional and very easy to work with. When we're ready to have the flue put in, etc., we would definitely engage this company to do the job.

It only took about a week to get an appointment that fit into my schedule. I received a reminder call from the office the day before to give me a time frame of 2-6 for the appointment. The day of the appointment I received another call to let me know the servicemen were on the way and would be there by 2pm. To my surprise, Mike and Mike pulled in my driveway at exactly 2pm! They were extremely courteous and efficient. Mike introduced himself and the other Mike and handed me a packet of information to read over with some of the other services they perform. They spread a large work blanket on the carpet in front of my fireplace and went straight to work. When Mike had to move from the living room up to the roof, he even wiped all the soot off his boots before walking on my carpet so he wouldn't make a mess! They did a very thorough job and vacuumed up every speck of soot when they were done. The other Mike then went over the estimates for the repairs with me and the options I had of either repairing the firebox or installing an insert. They were very polite and knowledgeable and the price was exactly what I was quoted over the phone. I definitely recommend them and will use them again!

Everything went well. They were professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. Overall, I am very pleased with the work.

They were really prompt, very careful about keeping everything clean. They recommended that we changed the downstairs. I highly recommend them.

New Yorkers go elsewhere, don't waste your time with this company! I tried three separate times to get this company to return phone calls to determine the price to clean two upper east side located chimneys. Finally, I got a price and so I set up the appointment, specifically telling them they needed to call my managing agent about the job and to submit the proper insurance forms. Later, the company called me back saying that they work in many buildings in NYC without these items and so would not be cleaning my chimneys! (By the way, they wanted $489 per chimney--whereas in NJ they charge just $89 each --so they are neither cheap or more importantly, worth the bother).

The mortar was chipped out and replaced but cracked again after the following winter. They came back in March 2011, replaced the mortar again and waterproofed this time, for no additional charge. Fred recommended that we install a liner in our chimney and alter the ducts leading to the chimney so that this problem would not recur. Both times, everyone was professional, easy to talk to, clean and quick.

It was great to have them in. Very professional and informative. I learned a lot what is needed in the safety, care and upkeep needed re my chimneys.

Great. They were professional, punctual and neat. I am actually going to use them again to re-line the boiler chimney as per a suggestion they had. Recommend.

They showed up on time and gave me a reasonable estimate. They weren't the lowest but were straightforward and professional.

Fred is the best. After checking several other companies, none match the expertise, professionalism and warm heart of Fred and JFT. He is the DEAN of chimney fireplace repair. There is no other. They were punctual and pleasant and completed all repairs in several hours. Complete cleanup . Dont waste time with other companies. This is the one. Highest rated by BBB, consumer affairs and Angie s list.

Two men arrived on time to clean the chimney. The fireplace had not been cleaned in a long time. It was a quick job as they said the fireplace wasn't really very dirty. They did a neat clean job and the price was very reasonable. When they came in they handed me a list of other serviices they provide and before leaving gave me an estimate to clean the air ducts. I didn't ask about but this service but as long as they were here, I was interested to know the price. I did not make another appointment for the air ducts but will hold onto the estimate for the future.

said chimney did not need cleaning even though it had not been cleaned in 3 years. this was similar advice from a different company 3 years ago. high tech. wood stove and catalytic combuster burn clean. will have this company come back c*** to install chimney cap.

He showed me a video that was taken down my chimney showing parts of the lining inside. It showed a pretty dangerous situation which would have got carbon monoxide back into the house. He talked about what needed to be done. He then gave me an estimate for the job which was not cheap for couple of different things. It was very clear from what he showed me what was needed to be done. We went on vacation and came back and asked him to do the work. The guy was extremely knowledgeable and I think that he did a very good job. He knew what he was doing and he had a lot of information with him to let you know what he was doing. He was very pleasant to deal with.

On time, work done quickly, no surprises, neat. I'm not quite sure if the $1,500 was appropriate given the materials, labor and expertise involved. But ballpark, for sure. As a comparison I'll be replacing my old oil furnace with a gas one for $5,300 - and that includes all the plumbing, electrical, removal of the oil tank (with oil), removal of old furnace (600 pounds) plus the cost of the new furnace itself.

It went well. Mike the tech was nice about explaining what he was doing and why. Another contract how came out later said that the chimney cap was too thin but contractors are always saying that everyone else's work is junk but their own. I trust Chimney Magic did a good job and they guaranteed the work.

Excellent experience. Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Very comfortable that they did the work promised (and then some!). Would definitely use them again and recommend to others.

This compnay made the process easy and, as far as I know, they did a good job.

All went well. Fred is a little strange, and he doesn't communicate as straightforwardly as possible, but he's nice, professional and (I think) does good work.

Kitchen reno in progress. Plumber was in basement and saw that oil burner venting from roof showed leak. Advised me to call chimney company. Called, made appt., they came at appointed time, explained what they found (leak and misaligned pipe). Gave me an estimate. I told them to go ahead and do the work. They were quick, clean and courteous.

very professional, very satisfied with the work done....would use them again & recommend to others. The owner is extremely knowledgable and made me feel comfortable that they were doing the work they said they were doing...The job turned out to be more work than originally thought, and they were here all day..however I was not charged anything additional than the original estimate...

The overall experience was good. They tried to do what I considered unnecessary work, diging up the base of the chimney and waterproofing it. I felt that this was unnecessary because the water that was leaking into the chimney cleanup box was coming from above and not below. this was an $1100.plus additional expence

They were professional and courteous when they came to give an estimate. They were not pushy. When they came to do the work, they were prompt and again they were professional and courteous. They left garbage bags in the garbage cans, which pleased me. I am very pleased. I will use them again. I recommend them. I would be even more pleased if they had removed all the debris from around my furnace and if they had removed all the pieces of broken chimney and cement from the ground around the chimney, but I was able to do it. Overall I am very pleased.

They did a great job and answered all of my questions. We plan on using their services again for one of our future projects involving the replacement of our damper and caps and repair of cement crown.