August West Chimney Co

03-Dec-08
town f

PART ONE!!! I called August West Chimney around October 2007 for a fireplace and chimney cleanout. They were to come on a Saturday, I got a call from them on the Saturday asking if they could reschedule our appointment. There truck was having problems and they could not make it (strike one). (Hey things happen). No problem, we will make it for next Saturday. Next Saturday comes and a call, we are running late we will be there 30 minutes late. Well it was 3 hours later (strike two). The day before I pulled my back out, so I let the late service person in. He cleans out everything, I needed the worm drive replaced on the damper (broke from old age). He had a problem repacing it, and because his truck was STILL being fixed, he needed to borrow some of my tools (strike three). With my strained back I barely made it to my shed and got him what he needed. He tested the new damper and the mechinism came off the drive. He put it back on and it happened again. He then put it back on and when he turned it so the damper would open and close, he stoped turning it intentionally so it would not fall off. He cleaned up and left. I go over to it and turned to open the damper and (clunk) it fell off again (strike four). There office was closed by then, so I went down to the office the next morning (Pembroke) and told the woman the problem. She was going schedule me for an appointment for two weeks away. I told her (I think she is the manager or co-owner) she had better get someone over there NOW!. We agreed that someone would be there at 5pm. It was the owner (nice man), he came over, looked at it and noticed it was installed backwards. I said that this was no excuse and I want 10 percent off. They had a problem with this, but finialy agreed. It has worked fine since.
I believe in supporting your local business, that is why I tried them. I will NOT be going back to use their services.

PART TWO!!! Ok, so a year goes by, I need some stove piping for a second stove downstairs. I went to August West again, (maybe it was me the first time). So I asked for some quotes first, I was going to install it myself. Most of the parts were reasonable in price compaired to other places. BUT! I was quoted a price of 55 dollars for a barometric damper. WHAT? So I said that is a little high, even the nice young man behind the desk thought so. He went over to a book and checked, Yes sir, that is the price. So I told him I would come back if it was the same price somewhere else. I went to Eastcoast Fireplace on Rt 53 in Hanover. I asked for a price and Boom! 32 dollars. I dont think I will be going back to August West anymore, Sorry!