"Trevor was on time, courteous and very professional. He inspected the fireplace, damper, flue liner and chimney crown. He found several issues that need to be addressed and the structure was clean. He explained pricing and all the options, very pleased."
Austen Alabata, owner and operator of Coastal Turf Care LLC, brings top-tier expertise and professional dedication to local lawn care and property maintenance. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Austen holds a degree in Agricultural Business and Applied Economics along with a specialized Minor in Turfgrass Management. This academic background combines strong business acumen with advanced knowledge of soil science, plant health, and sustainable turf care strategies.\nTo guarantee the highest quality and safety for your home, Austen is ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) certified and holds an OTPS (Outdoor Turf and Pest Specialty) license in the state of Alabama. Whether you require customized lawn treatments, targeted pest control solutions, or expert hardscaping consultation, Coastal Turf Care LLC delivers reliable, science-backed results tailored to your landscape. Trust Austen Alabata for dependable service, clear communication, and a beautiful, healthy lawn.
"This was one of the Best experiences we have had ,from the time we called. They responded Quickly when we reached out to them. Very Professional from the time they came out for our estimate. Til the time the work was Done. Very Professional attitude courteous Technicians Very Very Pleased. Definitely recommend them for any fireplace repairs you may have."
"The two gentlemen who did the work were punctual, courteous, and friendly. They were very careful to protect the rest of my house from the mess when demolishing the old fireplace, and cleaned up after the job. They listened to me and took care when fitting the stones to get the look of my new fireplace just right. They charged exactly the amount of the estimate - they didn't try to make excuses for the job costing more. Finally, they followed up after the job to make sure I was happy with the work. Now I'm looking forward to winter to try out my new stone fireplace."
"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."
Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.
Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.
The time required for a chimney inspection depends on the inspection level. A Level 1 inspection typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours, with an average of about an hour and a half. A Level 2 inspection usually takes less than two hours. A more in-depth Level 3 inspection can take up to five hours, or even multiple days if it requires removing materials. The total duration also depends on the chimney's size, condition, and how long it has been since its last inspection; chimneys with severe damage will require a longer inspection.
There are six main choices of fireplace inserts: wood-burning, gas, propane, pellet, electric, and coal. Coal fireplace inserts aren’t as popular as they once were because burning coal emits a lot of carbon monoxide. Any fireplace insert will require proper supervision, and it’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in the room for added safety.
You should schedule a fireplace inspection at least once a year, per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, this is the minimum requirement even if you’re diligent with fireplace maintenance between uses. If you suspect your fireplace is malfunctioning, schedule one sooner to avoid fire hazards or the release of harmful emissions like carbon monoxide in your home.
No, you should never leave a fireplace burning overnight or unattended during the day. While fireplaces are made to contain fires, fires can and do spread from fireplaces, so it’s crucial that you’re there to monitor them and put them out if needed. If you’re worried about putting out a fire before bed, stop feeding it fuel long before bedtime and actively put out the fire using your poker, a shovel, and some baking soda.
The Bucks, AL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
