Being a chimney sweep?

[PCoulson]

I'm currently a manager in local government, the particular area I work in is some what a dying trade so I'm considering other career options. I'm also looking for something that can be flexible as I have a baby daughter.

Something that is apparent from recently trying to book a sweep is there is plenty of work locally. When work is quiet I would be happy to do odd jobs or a bit of gardening.

Any ideas what the typical earnings are (I'm on 30k at the moment) and the sort of costs to get set up?

[jakesmith]

We paid £50 and the bloke said he does 5-6 a day in the season, not so busy in summer (I suggested he does a summer discount but I think he just likes not being as rushed) so I think £30k after costs is probably viable, costs didn't seem too high apart from vehicle really

[overunder12g]

Don't forget attending weddings. Bonus there!

[PCoulson]

Yes - free drink and bridesmaid!

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

We had one recently, £300 a day was has labour rate. If you went this route get HETAS registered, then you can also do related work such as installing flues and log burners.

[PCoulson]

I can't say I fancy getting into climbing on roofs, I'm not a fan of ladders.

[Matt_N]

You could look into supplying logs / coal as part of the service as well.

[PCoulson]

I was thinking that. I already cut my own logs so if I found somewhere to store them it could help keep me busy in the summer when its quiet.

[Saleen836]

You will need a waste carriers licence along with insurance and adhere to relevant H&S regs

[anonymous-user]

My chimney sweep does the log delivery gig as well, and fits cowls and flues and what nots. I get the impression that he is doing OK, by which I mean he is reasonably above the just getting by income level but not at the four weeks villa in Croatia and we're taking the nanny level. My mechanic works harder but I think may be just about getting by.

[austinsmirk]

all the local sweeps to us, seem to be coal/wood log burner fitters too.

that seems to be the market to get into- opening up fireplaces, fitting flues, cowls etc. sweeping a flue/chimney is a by-product of the former really.

probably a 2 man job though for installations- those stoves are seriously heavy- plus lintel fitting/plastering.