Downeast Chimney Sweep

Downeast Chimney Sweep is the Norwood father-and-sons outfit people hire after another chimney company tried to sell them something. Louis Sheinhite founded it in 1985, the company says, and runs it with sons Ross — a 2009 graduate of the Chimney Safety Institute of America's sweep school — and Jacob, covering greater Boston from Arlington and Belmont down to Canton and Dedham. The thing reviewers keep writing is 'no upsell.' A May 2024 customer needing a liner and a new cap said every other company pitched $2,000 sealing, $4,000 of repointing or a $2,500 premium liner; Downeast did the job fast and charged $800 less than quoted because it turned out easier than expected. In 2023 Jacob inspected a chimney ahead of an oil-to-gas conversion, said it didn't need sweeping, and waived the fee because the customer lived nearby. A 2024 reviewer credited them with saving her from a scammer who claimed work was needed, after ten years of annual wood-stove maintenance; another has used them for 15 years on two older fireplaces. A November 2025 customer had Russ mortar some cracks, set up a fireplace grate and explain what to watch for. Google shows 4.9 stars across 43 ratings, and a 2024 r/massachusetts commenter called them fair and reasonable; this July an Arlington commenter noted a retired local sweep now refers his customers to them. Two things to know. The company's Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration is expired on the state registry — it lapsed in April 2022 per BuildZoom — which matters for masonry repair and relining more than for a sweep. And reaching them can take patience: a September 2025 caller left a message, never heard back, and hired someone else, though others describe Lou or Ross calling back within hours, including two days before Thanksgiving. The right call for an honest inspection, a sweep, a liner or a cap where you want the assessment before the sales pitch. Ask about the registration status before booking masonry work, and if the voicemail goes unanswered, try again.