Larry Bates and Kurt Collins feel strongly about their profession. Called in to inspect, clean, repair and otherwise care for people’s chimneys, they see their job as much more than a person to call at the last minute when it’s time to light the first October fire.
To talk to Larry Bates of Great Barrington is to learn about national and state codes and also about the ancient lore in Europe and the role of the chimney sweep. According to German tradition, he says, the chimney sweep is the first guest invited to the home after the New Year. It’s good luck he brings. In Finland, tradition has children circling the chimney sweep after his or her work is done.
He talks about the chimney care person as someone who has a relationship with the family, who has conversations about lots of things besides chimneys, including related things like the kind of wood to burn, and the condition of the roof (he sees it firsthand).
Bates knows lore and also knows about the modern stuff of chimney care: codes and materials and maintenance. He takes it seriously and urges homeowners to do the same. In other words, he says, don’t call the chimney inspector on your cell phone in November the week before you expect him to come. Instead, Bates says, think of him or her as you would your doctor or dentist: every year you have an appointment. He or she takes care of what needs care and tells you when things need help.
Kurt Collins of New England Chimney Care in North Adams agrees with Bates when it comes to the seriousness of the business, and also with warning people about chimney care people who are either not qualified or who don’t care quite as much as they should about the safety of their customers.
Both men suggest that the building inspector would be a good source of referrals for the annual chimney services and Bates also mentioned the local fire department.
Bates, who has been doing this work for 20 years, has recently semi-retired and only services long-term customers.
Collins suggested asking for references, but warned that of course the person would give only good references. Both men suggested one potential measure of professional ability is state certification. But Bates agreed that there could very well be people out there who are competent and ethical without the certification.
Collins said his company doesn’t charge for inspection. When he cleans or performs some other service he charges; a cleaning is usually about $85. He also suggests that while a visual inspection is free of charge, a more thorough video inspection is not.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) can be reached at 800-536-0118. Their web site is www.csia.org.
CSIA suggests the following:
• Have the chimney checked each year to make sure it is clear in order to allow it to vent hot toxic gases and carbon monoxide.
• Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gasses that may be entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.
•Have your chimney sweep/inspector ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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