I hired a chimney company that was recommended to me by a trustworthy business that has no association with them. That business did not offer the services I needed, but when I asked if they knew anyone who did, they said they had heard good things about Speedy Chimney out of Gastonia.
I called Speedy Chimney and google was showing the location in Gastonia and asked what they would charge for a chimney cleaning and to get my chimney ready for an insert installation. I was told chimney cleanings range from $99 to $399 depending on the work needed and that everything else would be quoted on site.
I scheduled them to come out on January 5th between 8 and 11 am. They did not arrive until around 220 pm.
One of the contractors came inside and quoted me for a chimney cleaning, a chimney cap, a wood stove insert, and painting the inside of the chimney black after making minor interior repairs from where gas used to be. I asked him what the total price would be finished and done. He told me $2,998. I agreed and told him I wanted to schedule the work. He said there was no need to schedule because they had everything needed on the truck and could complete it that day. I agreed.
When he finished what he claimed was the job, he called my cell phone. I was in the bedroom with my girls while they were napping. We came out and he told me he was ready for payment. He initially said they accepted card and check. I told him I did not have checks so he handed me his payment device.
That is when I realized there was no insert installed and the inside of the chimney was not painted like he said it would be aside from the concrete patches he had done. I mentioned this to him. He told me that was not what we discussed. I told him it absolutely was. He then told me I could order an insert off Amazon. Be for real.
He then quickly spray painted the inside of the chimney black and handed me the device again. This time the total was $3,500 and some change. I told him that was not the price we agreed on and that he did not do the work I asked him to do. He began arguing with me and said the increase was for taxes. I told him I am no mathematician but 7 percent tax does not equal that amount and would be roughly $200.
He then told me the only way he would reduce the bill was if I paid through Zelle.
At this point I was texting my husband was still at work but about to leave. I decided to pay since he spoke broken English and call the owner afterward to get everything resolved. (I had two girls at home and wasnt looking to argue with some random man in front of them). When I tried to send $3,215.36 through Zelle it told me there was a $3,000 limit. I sent the $3,000 and he told me to send the rest the next day.
Zelle then placed a 24 hour hold on the payment which was not my fault or within my control. He logged into Zelle saw that it did not immediately deposit and then sat on my fireplace and told me he could not leave without payment. I told my oldest to take my youngest into the bedroom. I told him he could call whoever he needed to call but I had already sent $3,000 for work I was unhappy with and I was not paying again. He was leaving my house.
Later I reviewed the invoice that was texted to me and realized it included a bunch of things that were never agreed upon with prices increased on individual items conveniently so he did not have to install the insert. The invoice listed a completely different business name and phone number Ace Fireplace Services.
I called the number on the invoice and the same receptionist answered that I had spoken to when scheduling with Speedy Chimney. She apologized and said she would leave a note for a supervisor to call me by the end of the day. That call never came.
On January 6th I called twice and was told both times a supervisor would contact me by the end of the day. No one did. I then received a text from the contractor demanding the remainder of the payment. The texts speak for themselves.
I am also posting camera footage of the supposed 110 lbs of creosote and debris he claimed to have removed. The bag is half full not heavy and very clearly not 110 lbs.
This morning my husband called them and went off. Immediately after the receptionist called me saying a supervisor told her I was top priority and to keep my phone on because she would be calling today. By 3 pm no one had called so I called again and was told the same thing that they do not close until 8 pm and a supervisor would definitely be in touch. Again nothing.
I have disputed the charge with my bank and explained the situation. I want people to be aware that this company is not who they say they are. When you look up Ace Fireplace Services the reviews are overwhelmingly negative. It appears a rebranding took place to escape those reviews.
I am done playing nice. I am pursuing this as far as it goes starting with social media. DO NOT HIRE! read more
