It's been quite a journey but that's for a good reason. That reason boils down to the fact that he's a true craftsman. This whole journey started with our friends from Olde World Chimney Sweep, who noticed our fireplace was too dangerous to use, and recommended Ken. They told me he's hard to reach sometimes, but I'm glad I followed thru.
Long story short: he rebuilt our fireplace and flue from the ground up: masonry to chimney cap to damper to firebox. His truck which is basically a traveling workshop from which he does nearly EVERYTHING himself, other than fabricating a chimney cap...he uses a sheet metal guy for that. Otherwise he cuts metal, cuts stone, cuts and sizes wood, makes mortar and all out there. This all after giving us an estimate by visiting our home and thoroughly discussing what we were looking for.
During the whole process of the rebuild, Ken explained every step back to us. He gave us a synopsis of what he would do from one day to the next, and wrap up his day with us by recapping and looking toward what the next day would bring. He's been in this business for well over 35 years and it shows.
He's quite meticulous and definitely is "old school" in his work ethic as well as attention to detail. If something is off by even a quarter inch, he will make the correction without hesitation. His attention to detail also comes into play when he's finished working. He cleans up everything and hauls everything off with no fuss.
I found myself aghast when he submitted his bill...it wasn't ONE CENT over his estimate: not one! I say so because he wound up performing extra work to get to the end product. So not only is he a craftsman with a good work ethic, but is priced reasonably, too! For the amount of work we had done...wow! I was honestly expecting a much bigger price tag at the end!
He is very easy to work with and has a pleasant demeanor also. He definitely does what he says and works with his clients on what it is they wish. He passed on a couple of interesting stories about some of his work too. That helped in guiding us in terms of refining just exactly what we were looking for...and received IN SPADES!!! THANKS KEN!!!! read more