Chimney Sweep
What will I be doing ?
There are more than 4,500 full-time chimney sweep services in the U.S. The chimney-sweep business is busiest in the fall and winter, and less busy in the spring and summer. So this is a good opportunity for those who work jobs or have other home businesses that are busier in the spring and summer. The income is good because it is a job that many people can’t or don’t want to do for themselves. A chimney sweep service cleans residential and commercial chimneys and flues of soot and other byproducts of fuel-burning heat systems. The job of cleaning chimneys, if done right, isn’t as dirty as imagined. However, it typically requires that you climb up on roofs to operate the cleaning equipment.
What will I need to start ?
Chimney cleaning isn’t rocket science. However, it does require a working knowledge of how to efficiently clean chimneys without dirtying your customer’s home or office. If you don’t have experience in this task, find books that explain the process and the needed tools. You can also learn about chimney sweeps by hiring one. If your home doesn’t have a chimney or you live in an apartment, hire one for a friend who has a chimney and watch the sweep at work.
Who will my customers be ?
Your customers will be homeowners, business owners, apartment building owners and commercial building owners. You may decide to specialize in one type or another, or you may even expand your business to include selling heating system components. Go after your customers through advertising and fliers. Call on local fireplace shops and heating system suppliers.
How much should I charge ?
The hourly rate for chimney sweep service, including labor and overhead costs, is typically $25 to $50. However, most sweeps price their services by the job. They may charge by the number or flues, their length and size, the time since last cleaned, and other factors. If your business is just starting out, consider pricing your service lower than that of your competitors to develop business. Once you’re established and have a reputation for good work and service, you can increase your prices accordingly.
How much will I make ?
Initially, up to one-third of your time will be spent marketing your business. As your sweep business grows, more of your time will be billable. If your time is limited, a spouse or friend can help you by handling the marketing and scheduling while you do the jobs. About 60 to 80 percent of everything you make will be yours to keep-at least for a few minutes. The 20 to 40 percent of expenses will cover tools, transportation, home office expenses, taxes and other neccessities of business. So a full-time chimney service that can keep busy an average of 30 hours a week can earn the owner a salary of $25,000 to $50,000 a year.
How can I get started ?
To start your chimney sweep business, first learn your trade either by reading and watching or, better, by working for a chimney sweep service. Working for others can help you determine whether this is the right business for you while it helps you develop efficient skills that can make you more money. The SIC code for chimney sweep services is 7349-16 From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
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