Expert: James Ball - 6/21/2010

Question
I have a 100 year old house with an oil burner and fireplace connecting to one Chimney. Have only burned fake logs in fire place. When cleaned this year I was told I should do a lot of work to restore and make save the Chimney.  Bill was over $11,000.  It included remove brick from fireplace walls and floor install ss liner from top of smoke to top of chimney, pour new smoke chamber, fill in void between liner and chimney, pour in insulation, re-brick fireplace, install 35 ft 6 " ss liner for flue, insulate with poured in insulation, repoint chimney, waterproof chimney, replace loose bricks and install ss cap.  I had a second quote for just liner and pointing for $3,000.  I am confused.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer
Hello Donald, not sure what you had done, or who did it.  but you should always get a few estimates on work this large. I would have a few local Certified Chimney Sweep's www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help. at the very least they can make sure the work done was correct.
Hope this helps
James