What a chimney change order is for
Chimney problems hide behind soot. Once the flue is swept, a camera often shows what could not be seen before: cracked tiles, gaps, glazed creosote. A change order with the footage and the price, signed before the extra work, keeps trust in a trade where customers fear being oversold.
What to put on a chimney change order
- The original estimate.
- What was found, with photos.
- Added repairs and credits.
- The new total.
- Hazard advice if relevant.
- Signature before the extra work.
A worked example
After sweeping, the camera shows cracked flue tiles and glazed creosote. The customer drops the waterproofing for now.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glazed creosote removal treatment | 1 | each | Your price |
| Stainless steel liner, insulated | 25 | ft | Your price |
| Credit: waterproofing postponed | -80 | sq ft | Your price |
Put the hazard advice in the notes: do not use the fireplace until the liner is in. Customers remember the footage and the warning together.
Line items chimney sweeps use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney sweep, one flue | each | Wood, gas or oil appliance; say which. |
| Chimney inspection with report | each | Name the inspection level you perform and include camera footage if you have it. |
| Camera inspection of flue | each | Video of the liner and joints. |
| Chimney cap, installed | each | Size and material; keeps out rain and animals. |
| Crown repair or rebuild | each | Seal cracks or rebuild the top slab. |
| Tuckpointing | sq ft | Grind and repoint mortar joints. |
| Flashing repair | each | Where the chimney meets the roof. |
| Stainless steel liner | ft | Diameter, length and insulation. |
| Damper repair or top-sealing damper | each | Stops drafts when the fireplace is not in use. |
| Waterproofing sealant | sq ft | Breathable masonry sealer. |
| Creosote removal, heavy | each | Glazed creosote needs special treatment. |
| Animal or nest removal | each | Check local rules on protected birds before removal. |
| Dryer vent cleaning | each | A common add-on. |
Terms and deposit language for chimney
- Deposit. No deposit on sweeps and inspections. Liners and masonry rebuilds take a deposit for materials.
- Payment. Due on completion.
- Warranty. State your workmanship warranty on masonry and liner installs; liners carry the maker's warranty, which may require installation by a trained sweep.
- If an inspection finds a hazard, you will tell the customer in writing and advise not to use the fireplace until it is fixed.
- Roof access depends on weather and roof pitch.
- Animals in the chimney may be protected by law; removal follows local rules.
How to fill it in
- Put in the original estimate number and amount.
- Write what changed in the reason box, plainly.
- Add the new work; type a minus quantity for any credit.
- Fill in the days added.
- Print it for a signature on site, or send it from Koira to sign by phone.
Free tools for chimney
The same change order for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.