Which chimney sweep tools and liners in the van wear out fastest?

Open the van and look at everything. Brushes lose bristles, flexible rods kink or fray, and vacuum hoses and filters clog and tear. Cameras, lights and ladders matter too, and a worn ladder is a safety concern, not just a cost. Ask the owner to show you what has been replaced lately and which items they would replace next.

Then look at the liner materials and consumables in stock. Ask what the owner buys regularly, from whom, and in what quantities. Items that are bought often show up in the receipts and can give you a sense of the yearly spending. Compare that with the number of jobs done, to see whether the spending seems reasonable.

Ask how the owner stores and cleans the equipment. Damp tools in a closed van wear quicker than dry ones. Check the condition of protective gear for the crew, and the drop sheets and dust control items that protect customers’ homes. Finally, build a replacement list with an estimated order and timing. Decide which items you would buy in the first months and which can wait, and ask your accountant how the purchase of used equipment is treated. A good seller will help you do this without any pressure, and will tell you openly which items are tired.

Key takeaways

• Inspect brushes, rods, hoses and filters first, since they work hardest.
• Compare supply receipts against the number of jobs to see how fast things wear.
• Make a replacement list with timing so the first months stay on budget.