What North Shore Homeowners Told Us This Month: Notes From Our Google Reviews

We don’t grade our own work. The 1,080-and-counting Google reviews on our profile do that for us — and this month a handful of them said things worth repeating, because they describe exactly the way we try to run this company. Here are a few, along with what we told each reviewer.

“Explaining what did and did not need to be done”

“Very thorough and professional. Did a great job at communicating just what they were finding, and explaining what did and did not need to be done.”

— Michael C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review

If we could frame one sentence from this month, it would be that one. Half the value of a documented inspection is hearing what doesn’t need fixing. A recommendation only means something if we’re willing to tell you when the honest answer is “this can wait.”

“Multiple options with different price points”

“Great customer service and provided multiple options with different price points!”

— Season J., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review

Our reply: “Multiple options at different price points is how we like to work — you should get to choose how a problem gets fixed, not just whether it does.” Most chimney problems have more than one reasonable repair. We put the options on the table with the trade-offs spelled out, and the decision stays where it belongs — with you.

“A team of 3 working on 2 fireplaces”

“We had a team of 3 that were working on 2 fireplaces. Unbelievably hard workers and 100% satisfied with the work they did.”

— Kevin W., Local Guide, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review

Two fireplaces in one visit is a real day’s work. We told Kevin the crew of three would be glad to hear it held up to his watch — and they were.

“Will use every year for maintenance”

“Great! Fantastic! Amazing! So polite, knowledgeable and fair. Will use every year for maintenance.”

— Penny B., Local Guide, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review

“Will use every year” is the best compliment a maintenance company can get. Chimneys don’t need drama; they need the same careful look on a regular schedule, by people who remember what they found last time.

“Rufino took the time to explain each step”

“Rufino took the time to explain each step of the project and why certain things were done. He also provided before and after documentation…”

— Rebecca D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review

And in a separate review, simply: “100% recomendados!” (— Rufino S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐). Explaining each step, and showing the before-and-after, is the job. The chimney is out of sight; our documentation is how you get to see what we saw.

What these reviews have in common

None of them mention a discount, a hard sell, or a scare story — and that’s the point. What North Shore homeowners keep writing about is the same short list: we explain what we found, we show the evidence, we distinguish what’s urgent from what can wait, and we leave the decision with the homeowner. That’s the whole playbook. The monkey is just the mascot; the documentation is the company.

To every customer who took the time to write this month — thank you. Reviews are how your neighbors find us, and we don’t take a single one for granted.

Had us out recently? You can leave us a review here — five stars or otherwise, we read and answer them all.

Need a chimney or fireplace looked at? Call 847-994-4388 or get in touch. Chimney Monkey · 741 Hastings Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 · serving Chicago’s North Shore since 2017.