Sweeping chimneys and stoves in North Norfolk.

Keeping homes safe and warm. Certificates issued for insurance and conveyancing. Member of The Guild of Master Sweeps.

About Brian The Sweep: Your Trusted Chimney Sweep

My Aim

is to have happy repeat customers with safe and efficient chimneys and stoves. I was trained and mentored by much loved and respected local sweep Sam the Lady Sweep and am a registered member of The Guild of Master Sweeps, and as such work to the highest of standards. I take pride in ensuring that your home is in no way polluted, stained or damaged while I work. I generally do no more than four sweeps a day so that each job is carried out thoroughly, with time for questions should there be any.

Affordable, Friendly Services.

I am a qualified member of The Guild of Master Sweeps. https://www.findachimneysweep.co.uk/sweeps/brian-the-sweep/
I am fully insured.
I issue a certificate on completion of each sweep that details the work done and any issues seen. This certificate is valid for insurance, letting and conveyancing purposes.
I sweep large and small open fireplaces, wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves and AGAs.
I don't just sweep the chimney - I strip down your stove and clean and service it thoroughly (where possible, assuming such actions will not damage the stove - for instance if your firebricks are already crumbling then it would be unwise to remove them if avoidable).
I carry out minor repairs on stoves - including rope replacement, glass replacement and fire cement patching.
I offer manual or power sweeping according to whichever is more appropriate for your chimney.
I carry out camera inspections. These may be requested but are chargeable unless I have initiated them myself. I generally carry out free camera checks on thatched properties that I have swept and on premises where a new owner with no prior history of the chimney or stove wishes to bring it into commission.
I remove bird nests (October to February only, by law).
At the end of the sweep I set aside time to discuss each job with the customer. We talk through any issues found, any possible improvements in safety measures and any improvements that could be made to using the appliance efficiently, so that you get the best from your fire.
Holiday homes. If you have a holiday home with a chimney that needs to be swept but you live elsewhere I'm happy to complete the job in your absence, assuming there is a key safe. I will Whatsapp you photos taken before, during and after the sweep to demonstrate that the utmost care and attention has been taken in protecting your property.

How long, how much and when?

A standard sweep costs £75 (cash, cheque or BACS) and takes an hour to ninety minutes. This includes time spent laying protective sheets and runners, bringing in kit, working on the appliance, exiting the property cleanly and safely, writing up and discussing the certificate. The larger and more complex the job, the longer it takes.
I generally do no more than four sweeps a day (five if there are two appliances in one house). Each job has a two hour slot, including travel. When you book you will be given a time which I will do my best to be punctual for. However, some jobs take longer than anticipated and delays can be unavoidable. If I'm delayed I will do my best to contact you to let you know my new ETA, although I occasionally find myself in areas where there is no signal and this isn't possible. Rest assured I will get to you, but should doubt creep in please call 01263 761127.
I don't advertise my mobile number as I need to be able to keep my mind on the job in hand and my hands on the job in mind. If your job has required that I contact you using my mobile (eg Whatsapping pictures to you) and you have my mobile number please respect other customers time by continuing to contact me via 01263 761127 if you need to reach me in future.

What do you need to do?

Very little, but it helps if you consider the below:

Please remove any ornaments from the fireplace area.
Is there an accessible power supply nearby?
Please try and ensure there is a good amount of room in front of the fireplace in order for me to work. The work requires a lot of kit.
Due to the amount of kit I have to make several trips back and forth from the van on entry and exit, during which I will try and keep the front door closed as much as possible so your house retains its heat, but the trips are unavoidable.
I employ waterproof runners to cover and protect any carpet between the entry to the property and the work area. It assists me greatly and minimises risk if I can enter the property via the door nearest the appliance, so please think about where that might be.
You do not need to cover your furniture - I come armed with a large selection of sheets and waterproof covers to ensure your home is protected. I take pride in leaving no trace of my visit. If, however, you prefer to cover your furniture yourselves I won't be offended (although I might cover your covers). My sheets and runners are washed regularly and I have multiple sets.
Dogs - I love dogs and am always delighted to meet them - I may even trouble you for a photo with them for my social media, but if they're especially anxious or feel threatened by strangers then perhaps put them in another room temporarily.
Think about any problems you may be having or have had with your fire and let me know when I arrive. When was the last time it was swept? Perhaps you're having the chimney swept for the first time in your tenure? Is it smoking back? Does it light easily? Any history of the chimney or appliance is useful to me, so let me know.

Brian the Sweep's gallery

My typical work set-up when sweeping a stove. Beneath the red sheet is a further waterproof cover for added protection. I also employ waterproof runners to cover and protect any carpet between the entry to the property and the work area. It assists me greatly if I can enter the property via the door nearest the appliance.

My support team. My wife Kaja is on hand to answer the phone for bookings and queries. What do you mean they have the same haircut?

Rudi Rainbow, my Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Leading by example with a big smile and a waggy tail for all. And parsley, occasionally.

My friend and mentor Sam The Lady Sweep https://www.samtheladysweep.co.uk/, here pictured at FAITH animal rescue of Hickling, which does fantastic work. https://www.faithanimalrescue.org.uk/

One of the joys of being a sweep - there's a huge crossover between open fire/ stove users and dog owners, and I love dogs! And cups of tea - white with one please :-)

I am a qualified member of The Guild of Master Sweeps. After each completed job I issue a certificate that is valid for insurance and conveyancing purposes.

Sweeping chimneys and stoves in North Norfolk.