What qualifies for a public profile
Our import process keeps a business out of the public directory unless it has a callable phone number, evidence that chimney work is a core service, and a minimum profile quality score. The score draws on contact details, a working website, independent sources, chimney focus, services and available credential records. A company can be legitimate and still be absent if we do not yet have enough evidence.
How default order works
Default order considers recorded verification first, then profile evidence and third-party rating data, then listing tier, then business name. Paid placement can distinguish otherwise close profiles, but it does not override the first two signals. Sponsored or featured status is labeled on the card. The directory also offers name, rating and recently updated sorts so you can inspect the results another way.
What “verified” means
Verified means recorded business details have been reviewed against available sources. It is not a safety certification, license check for your specific job, warranty, recommendation or promise of workmanship. A CSIA or NCSG credential shown on a profile should be checked in the issuing organization's current directory. Ask the business for its current insurance certificate and confirm local licensing where your job requires it.
How ratings and sources are handled
Ratings displayed on cards come from third-party directories. We identify them as third-party ratings and do not present them as reviews collected by this site. On individual profiles, we show available source links and credential context so you can inspect the evidence yourself. Missing information is left unstated rather than inferred.
How to compare contractors
Use the same scope for every quote: name the appliance, number of flues, symptom, inspection level, access conditions and whether you need photos or a written report. Compare exclusions and repair recommendations before comparing totals. Our quote comparison worksheet makes those differences visible, and the hiring guide explains the questions in detail.
Corrections and inclusion
Businesses can request a listing or correction. Submissions are reviewed before publication. Homeowners can report outdated details through the contact page. A listing does not mean the company paid us, and a company not listed has not necessarily failed a quality test.