How do I make sure I hire a reliable home builder?

• <div><p>Hiring a reliable home builder is an essential task, but there are a few questions you can ask a potential builder to ensure you they are trustworthy and up to the task:</p><ul><li><p>How long do you expect the process to take?</p></li><li><p>Are you fully licensed and insured?</p></li><li><p>How much of the work will you subcontract?</p></li><li><p>Will you pull all of the necessary permits for the job?</p></li><li><p>How long is the builder’s warranty you include with your work?</p></li><li><p>How do you handle resolution for issues I might have with the finished product?</p></li><li><p>How much experience do you have?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How do you test ductwork?

• <div><p>You can test your ductwork by hiring a technician to attach a vacuum to the ductwork near the HVAC unit and put the vent system under pressure. Your pro can use a duct leak tester to measure the amount of pressure that's escaping. </p><p>You can also do a DIY test using an incense stick or smoke pencil. With the HVAC system running, pass the stick or pencil across the ductwork. Pay attention to the movement of the smoke. When you notice it changing, it could be a sign there’s a leak or bad connection in the duct.</p></div>

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Q: What issues could a post-drywall inspection uncover?

• <div><p>A post-drywall inspection could uncover many problems that weren&rsquo;t present during the pre-drywall inspection, including insufficient insulation, missing weather stripping, improperly installed plumbing and lighting fixtures, flooring damage, drywall damage, plumbing leaks, aesthetic issues, and more. Structural problems, which are often expensive to fix and are common reasons to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/when-to-walk-away-after-home-inspection.htm">walk away after a home inspection</a>, are easier to see before the drywall goes up, but a post-drywall inspection may highlight minor issues with house settling and foundation problems.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to buy a house for the first time?

• <div><p>Several government-backed lending programs can help first-time home buyers purchase a home with little money down. FHA, USDA, and VA loans are options for qualifying borrowers, though many conventional mortgage lenders will lower down payment rates to as low as 3 percent.</p><p> </p></div>

Q: Is it safe to live in a house with smoke damage?

• <div><p>It is not safe to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/living-in-house-with-smoke-damage.htm">live in a house with smoke damage</a>&mdash;even minor smoke damage can lead to long-term health hazards and structural risks. Smoke smells and residue contain particulates and chemical compounds that are dangerous to breathe in and can damage your belongings and your home&rsquo;s structural materials. Have a trained professional assess your home after a fire to determine when it&rsquo;s safe to return. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Inspection pros in Olean, NY

*The Angi rating for Chimney Inspection companies in Olean, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Inspection needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Chimney Inspection companies in Olean, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Inspection needs.

Last update on November 08, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs contacted me the same day i requested a quote, and were able to visit to provide a quote within day or so. They then visited, and completed the chinking on an outside wall, repaired a wall in the basement, and were able to install a gutter to ensure the water...
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs
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Reviewed in April 2024
I highly recommend Tyler. He responded quickly, did the chimney repair work quickly, and did a great job. He saved me a lot of money compared to another estimate. He is also pleasant, professional and easy to work with. He explained everything thoroughly. It was an excellent experience.
M.M.T Fireplace & Masonry Repair
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Reviewed in January 2024
Bob was prompt and professional. We had him replace the crown on our chimney, replace several bricks, replace some flashing and repair some loose slate on our front step. I would highly recommend him for any masonary job.
RMD Restoration Services
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Reviewed in May 2023
They were right on the time they said they would arrive extremely professional and very thorough with there inspection would recommend a million times over
Snyder Home Buyers, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
I would highly recommend! I got a call back within the same day and Joe was here within the week to help me promptly and very efficiently inspect my issue. He was very helpful in educating me in why I was having this issue and even helped make recommendations to a mold remediation company so...
Precision Mold Inspections, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2015
I had a very good experience with this company, Russell provided a thorough review of our home inspection. The price to have it done was also very reasonable. We would recommend him and this company to any of our friends and family how would need their home inspected.
HouseWise Inspection
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Reviewed in February 2014
Excellent service - one of the techs was sick and owner came did the cleaning and inspection himself, then would not charge full price because it wasn't dirty enough - everything was explained and done very professionally-highly endorse this company!
Brickliners Chimney Service
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Reviewed in September 2013
Had muffler installed 11 months ago. It was vibrating and noisy in the last months.They inspected the muffler and found it to be defective and replaced it at no charge,
Munro Muffler & Brake
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Reviewed in September 2013
Made an appointment for 3:15 and they had me out in under thirty minutes for a state inspection. Nice people to deal with and they did not nitpick to make work.
McCarthy Tire & Automotive Center
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Reviewed in May 2013
I took the free inspection but declined to hire them for the exterminating. They charge almost $ 2,000 to set and monitor feeding stations with no quarantee or provision for repair of damage to the structure. Instead I read up on termites and ordered online the same tyoe of feeding...
Terminix International
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