# Highland Chimney Sweep Inc.

**Trade:** Chimney Services · **Address:** 168 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, United States · **Phone:** (508) 487-3784 · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.3/5** (medium confidence) — from 9 reviews across 7 sources. A 0–5 star rating built from what customers and the public say (every review and mention weighted by where it was posted, how old, how detailed and how credible it is, shrunk toward a 3.5★ baseline when evidence is thin) plus what the record shows (Reddit recommendations or warnings, a registry-verified licence, how recently they were reviewed, customer work photos, BBB grade, negative news, a revoked licence). Positive record counts only as far as the reviews have earned it; penalties count in full. Confidence describes how much weighted evidence stands behind the number, never the number itself: low when fewer than about five normal reviews' worth of weight (or mentions only) support it, medium up to about twenty, high beyond that across at least two sources. An operator flag for a suspicious review pattern caps a rating at 3.5★ and marks it low.
89% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 1 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Highland Chimney Sweep is a one-man chimney business at 168 Route 6A in Orleans, working the Lower and Outer Cape. BBB lists it as a sole proprietorship trading since November 1985 — about 40 years — with Michael Tarvers and Courtney Early named as owners and a second address, a PO box, in Provincetown.

The work customers describe is core sweep work rather than construction: chimney sweeping and inspection, flashing repair, stainless caps, wood-stove pipe replacement, and waterproof coating of the crown. In a September 2025 Google review a homeowner wrote that the sweep listened to their concerns, kept the living room clean during the sweeping, and went up on the roof to coat the chimney and crown against spalling. A 2022 reviewer described corroded wood-stove pipes replaced along with an awkward door-handle install, calling the result better than the original.

The praise is consistent across four platforms — Google at 4.4 from 7 ratings, Thumbtack at 5.0 from 3, and a single 5-star Angi review that HomeAdvisor mirrors word for word. Recurring notes are punctuality, plain explanation of what needs doing and pricing customers call reasonable; a 2021 reviewer named Courtney for showing up when he said he would.

The one clear failure on file is about communication, not craft. In a December 2024 one-star review a customer said nobody arrived for a 12/16 appointment, that a reply to the confirmation text thread went unanswered, and that a follow-up voicemail was not returned, leaving them hunting for a sweep days before Christmas. Set against that, a South Yarmouth neighbour recommending them on Nextdoor in June 2025 said specifically that they return calls within one to two days, and a June 2026 Thumbtack reviewer led with 'On time, returned calls.'

Before booking, get the appointment confirmed by a person rather than only by text, and ask what the visit includes — whether the roof and crown are part of it — since the detailed accounts that mention roof work are the ones customers were happiest with. No trade licence number appears on any profile: Thumbtack shows only a background check in Courtney Earley's name, and Angi states its licence and insurance information is self-reported, so ask to see credentials directly.

**Strengths:**
- Roof-side work — a 2025 review cites crown coating against spalling
- Clean indoors — reviewers say the room was protected during sweeping
- Punctual visits — several reviews across platforms cite on-time arrival
- Quote holds — a 2020 customer says the quote was the actual price
- Long trading history — BBB records the business as starting in 1985

**Concerns:**
- Missed appointment — a 2024 reviewer says nobody came on the booked day
- Unanswered messages — that reviewer's text and voicemail went unreturned
- No licence number — no profile publishes a trade licence for this business
- Thin recent record — one written review in the last six months

**Where sources disagree:**
- Tenure is stated three ways: BBB records the business as started 11/1/1985 and says 40 years, while the Angi and HomeAdvisor copy claims both '41 years of experience' and 'over 35 years' on the same page.
- The Angi and HomeAdvisor profiles are byte-identical mirrors carrying the same single October 2020 review — one review on two platforms, so any raw counter that adds them double-counts it.
- Reliability of contact is directly contested: a December 2024 reviewer reports an unanswered text and voicemail and a no-show, while a June 2025 Nextdoor neighbour says they return calls within one to two days and a June 2026 reviewer says they returned calls.
- No trade licence is verified anywhere in this packet; Thumbtack's only credential is a background check naming Courtney Earley (BBB spells the owner Courtney Early) and Angi states its licence and insurance information is self-reported.
- BBB explicitly issues no rating for this business and it is not accredited — that is an absence of a BBB rating, not a bad one.

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- BBB lists the business as a sole proprietorship with one employee at 168 MA-6A, Orleans, trading since November 1985 — about 40 years — with Michael Tarvers and Courtney Early as owners and a second listing in Provincetown. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/orleans/profile/chimney-cleaning/highland-chimney-sweep-0021-115641) — “BBB profile for Highland Chimney Sweep, 168 MA-6A, Orleans MA 02653, phone (508) 487-3784 — the same number the Nextdoor neighbour gave, so …”
- Google publishes 4.4 from 7 ratings, Thumbtack 5.0 from 3, and Angi 5.0 from 1 — that Angi review is mirrored byte-for-byte on HomeAdvisor and is one review, not two. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Highland%20Chimney%20Sweep%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJ53V6gspr-4kRwT_D8u8gwTU) — “Google: 4.4★ from 7 ratings”
  - [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014) — “Thumbtack: 5.0★ from 3 ratings”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/orleans/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-reviews-1.htm) — “Angi: 5.0★ from 1 ratings”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.BrynMawrConstructionCo.34153051.html) — “HomeAdvisor page for Highland Chimney Sweep, Inc., Orleans MA — a BYTE-IDENTICAL MIRROR of the Angi profile: same about-text, same '41 years…”
- A September 2025 reviewer said the sweep listened to their concerns, kept the living room clean during the sweeping, and went onto the roof to coat the chimney and crown against spalling. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25velVVNU1lblJwTjBOeFpXdFhRakpSU0VRNVUyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnozUU5MenRpN0NxZWtXQjJRSEQ5U2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Very friendly and knowledgeable.  Listened carefully to my concerns  Price was reasonable.  Inside of our living room was kept clean duri…”
- In a 2022 review a customer described new wood-stove pipes fitted in place of corroded ones plus a difficult door-handle install, and said the result was better than the original. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURlal8tUFBREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDej_-PPQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Installed new wood stove pipes, since the old ones had corroded along with a very difficult new door handle install. They did an excellen…”
- Punctuality and clear explanation recur: a 2021 reviewer named Courtney for showing up as promised and finishing on time, and a June 2026 Thumbtack customer led with 'On time, returned calls.' _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM2eHJiakl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC6xrbjIw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Great work by Courtney.  Clearly explained the issues and tasks ahead.  Showed up when he said he would and completed the work in a timel…”
  - [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014) — “5★ On time, returned calls. Did a great job cleaning our fireplace chimney for a reasonable price.”
- Reviewers on three platforms describe the price as reasonable, and a 2020 Angi customer said the quote was the actual price. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25velVVNU1lblJwTjBOeFpXdFhRakpSU0VRNVUyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnozUU5MenRpN0NxZWtXQjJRSEQ5U2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Very friendly and knowledgeable.  Listened carefully to my concerns  Price was reasonable.  Inside of our living room was kept clean duri…”
  - [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014) — “5★ On time, returned calls. Did a great job cleaning our fireplace chimney for a reasonable price.”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/orleans/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-reviews-1.htm) — “5★ Easy to book, arrived on time, service was very good, quote was the actual price.”
- A December 2024 one-star reviewer said no one came to a scheduled 12/16 appointment and that neither a text reply nor a voicemail was returned, which they called extremely unprofessional. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2dWFLUWZREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDvuaKQfQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Unfortunately we had a scheduled appt on 12/16- no one came. I reached out to Bernadette on the confirmation text thread I received, no r…”
- BBB lists the services as chimney inspections, cleaning, flashing repairs and stainless steel caps, with a licensed mason brought in when masonry is required. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/orleans/profile/chimney-cleaning/highland-chimney-sweep-0021-115641) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Chimney inspections, Chimney cleaning, Flashing repairs, Stainless steel chimney caps, Works with…”
- A South Yarmouth neighbour recommended them on Nextdoor in June 2025, saying they return calls within one to two days. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Nextdoor](https://nextdoor.com/p/64W5DtHWbkrF) — “Nextdoor (South Yarmouth, MA) — Try Highland Chimney Sweep in Orleans.  508-487-3784. They return calls with 1-2 days.”
- Specializes in Chimney Services _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/orleans/profile/chimney-cleaning/highland-chimney-sweep-0021-115641) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Chimney inspections, Chimney cleaning, Flashing repairs, Stainless steel chimney caps, Works with…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25velVVNU1lblJwTjBOeFpXdFhRakpSU0VRNVUyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x35c120eff2c33fc1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnozUU5MenRpN0NxZWtXQjJRSEQ5U2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Very friendly and knowledgeable.  Listened carefully to my concerns  Price was reasonable.  Inside of our living room was kept clean duri…”
  - [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014) — “Services offered (Thumbtack): Fireplace repair, Chimney repair, Gas line repair, Chimney cleaning, Fireplace cleaning”
- Also offers Handyman _(confidence: low)_
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/orleans/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-reviews-1.htm) — “Services offered (Angi): Chimney sweeping, Chimney repair, Brick or stone fireplace repair, Clean and inspect wood burning or pellet stove, …”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.BrynMawrConstructionCo.34153051.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Chimney sweeping, Chimney repair, Brick or stone fireplace repair, Clean and inspect wood burning or pellet …”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search

## Sources

- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/highland-chimney-sweep-provincetown-2): Listed on this source
- [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.BrynMawrConstructionCo.34153051.html): Listed on this source
- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Highland%20Chimney%20Sweep%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJ53V6gspr-4kRwT_D8u8gwTU): 4.4★ from 7 ratings
- [Exa](https://pro.porch.com/highland-wi/chimney-sweepers/chimney-specialists-inc/pp): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/orleans/profile/chimney-cleaning/highland-chimney-sweep-0021-115641): Listed on this source
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Highland%20Chimney%20Sweep%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJ53V6gspr-4kRwT_D8u8gwTU): Listed on this source
- [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014): Listed on this source
- [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/orleans/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-reviews-1.htm): Listed on this source
- [Thumbtack](https://www.thumbtack.com/ma/orleans/fireplace-repair/highland-chimney-sweep-inc/service/549312124873728014): 5.0★ from 3 ratings
- [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ma/orleans/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-reviews-1.htm): 5.0★ from 1 ratings
- [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.BrynMawrConstructionCo.34153051.html): 5.0★ from 1 ratings

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “Try Highland Chimney Sweep in Orleans.  508-487-3784. They return calls with 1-2 days.” — nextdoor.com (2025-06-01) — https://nextdoor.com/p/64W5DtHWbkrF

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Thumbtack · ROBERT M. · 2026-06-15**: On time, returned calls. Did a great job cleaning our fireplace chimney for a reasonable price.
- **5/5 · Thumbtack · William C. · 2025-12-12**: Excellent work Cleaned up everything I would definitely recommend them to all
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Michael Horn · 2025-09-12**: Very friendly and knowledgeable.  Listened carefully to my concerns  Price was reasonable.  Inside of our living room was kept clean during the sweeping process.  Also, safely went onto the roof and coated the chimney and crown to prevent spalling.
- **5/5 · Thumbtack · Bekdaulet A. · 2025-07-29**: Very punctual and hard worker
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Megan Clark · 2024-12-22**: Unfortunately we had a scheduled appt on 12/16- no one came. I reached out to Bernadette on the confirmation text thread I received, no reply. I called and left a message asking them to call me back. No reply. Unfortunately they have been extremely unprofessional and now I need to start again search…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jeffrey Cogen · 2024-06-11**: Highly recommend. Honest, knowledgeable and friendly.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mary Kennedy · 2022-10-22**: Installed new wood stove pipes, since the old ones had corroded along with a very difficult new door handle install. They did an excellent job, better than the original install. Really overcame mechanical issues without a fuss.  Very nice guys and reasonable pricing I can highly recommend them.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Paul Blodgett · 2021-09-03**: Great work by Courtney.  Clearly explained the issues and tasks ahead.  Showed up when he said he would and completed the work in a timely manner.
- **5/5 · Angi · John P. · 2020-10-01**: Easy to book, arrived on time, service was very good, quote was the actual price.

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-20T05:31:40.381Z.
Cite as: Highland Chimney Sweep Inc. — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-orleans)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/highland-chimney-sweep-inc-orleans