Chimney Sweep & Stove Maintenance Service

Chimney sweeping, CCTV flue inspections and stove servicing for the growing number of wood-burner households.

Wood-burning stove installations keep rising, and insurers increasingly ask for proof of annual sweeping. Typical offers: a fixed price per flue, CCTV inspection upgrades and smoke-testing certificates. A reminder-based rebooking list turns one-off sweeps into annual recurring revenue. Hetash-style training and certification reassure customers and insurers alike. Gross margin figures are planning estimates of revenue minus direct costs (materials, consumables, fuel and per-job expenses); they exclude the owner's own labour, so treat them as a guide to job economics rather than take-home pay.

Steps

  1. Train and register: Weeks 1-2. Complete an accredited course and register as a sole trader.
  2. Buy kit: Week 2. Rotary system, vacuum and sheeting.
  3. First customers: Weeks 2-3. Leaflet stove-heavy postcodes and join one lead platform.
  4. Build the reminder list: Month 2. Every job books the next annual sweep on the spot.

Risks

  • Seasonality: Autumn is frantic; winter and spring need marketing.
  • Soot handling: Disposal and protective kit add per-job cost.
  • Access issues: Awkward roofs and nests can stretch job times.

Costs

  • Kit — Rotary sweeping kit, rods, brushes, vacuum and dust sheets — 800 GBP
  • Training — Accredited sweep course and assessment — 350 GBP
  • Insurance — Public liability at entry level — 150 GBP
  • Marketing — Leaflets, local groups and Google Business Profile — 100 GBP

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