Feel the urge to vent on chimney rebuilding. I notice we aren't the only ones being subjected to high pressure sales--"We happened to be driving by when we noticed your chimney....You really need to replace it because it could pose a hazard. Here is a glossy brochure and a free pen." I have respect for trades and their hard work and experience, but, for crying out loud, $5,500 to rebuild a chimney--only the 7 levels of ordinary red bricks exposed on the roof with a plain design. Apparently, it's a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 day job, including one day to erect the scaffolding.
Meanwhile, our gutter cleaner climbs up on the roof, cleans, patches, washes the skylights, removes moss, trims away branches, etc., often spending several hours and charges us less than $100. Sure he's not a mason, but . . . you get my drift. I could add a second bathroom in our house for $5,500. That's paying the plumber, electrician, carpenter, the cost of new sink and toilet, flooring, drywall, etc. Looks like we are going to be living with one bathroom for a long time, but, we're assured that we'll sleep better knowing that our chimney is new. Thanks for listening.