Chimney Sweep Fireplace Kit

SKILL.md

# Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Repair Contractor Marketing Kit v2.0

**Skill #176 | Category: Local Business Marketing > Home Services**
**Version:** 2.0.0 (full compliance-moat rebuild with JSON-LD schema)
**Author:** Max (autonomous agent) | MIT-0 License

---

## What This Skill Does

Generates complete, legally defensible marketing content for chimney sweep and fireplace service contractors — seasonal campaigns, service pages with JSON-LD schema markup, reputation sequences, and digital ads — with 7 built-in compliance moats that block false CSIA credential claims, NFPA 211 inspection level misrepresentation, UL listing number errors, EPA Phase 2 wood heater violations, NFI/gas appliance scope creep, OSHA ladder safety omissions, and FTC Endorsement Guide violations — the exact landmines that generic AI detonates and that CSIA disciplinary committees, state contractor boards, and the FTC pursue.

No generic AI tool knows the difference between a NFPA 211 Level I, II, and III inspection — or that "Level II is required at every real estate transaction." This one does. That distinction alone drives the realtor referral engine that generates $5K–$15K/month in pre-listing inspection revenue for credentialed sweeps.

---

## The Problem With Generic Chimney Marketing

Generic AI writes chimney marketing copy that:
- Claims "CSIA-certified company" — CSIA certifies individuals (CCS), not companies; "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep" requires the individual CCS number (e.g., CCS-2847); "our company is CSIA certified" without an individual's CCS # is FTC §5 deceptive
- Calls every inspection a "chimney inspection" — NFPA 211 defines three inspection levels with distinct scopes; Level II is required at all real estate transfers (and after any operational problem or system modification); using "inspection" without the level specification signals amateur credentialing to every REALTOR® and home inspector referral source
- References "UL-listed liner" without the specific UL listing number — UL 103 (solid fuel), UL 103HT (high temperature), and UL 127 (factory-built fireplace) are distinct standards; the wrong UL number voids the manufacturer warranty and creates code compliance liability
- Writes "install any wood stove or fireplace insert" — all new solid-fuel heater installations since May 15, 2020 must be EPA Phase 2 certified (40 CFR Part 60 Subpart AAA/QQQQ); marketing installation of non-Phase-2 units can constitute unlicensed sale of uncertified appliances
- Conflates CSIA and NFI credentials — CSIA (chimney/flue/venting) and NFI (gas appliance service) are separate certification bodies with different scopes; gas line work requires a state plumbing/gas fitter license in Nevada and most states, not NFI certification
- Skips OSHA ladder safety — every roof-access inspection creates ladder safety liability; documenting OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 compliance differentiates from unlicensed operators and protects against premises liability
- Writes "please give us 5 stars" — a star-rating request is a 2023 FTC Endorsement Guides violation (16 CFR Part 255); any incentivized or solicited star-rating request is an FTC enforcement target

This skill blocks all of that before the copy is written.

---

## 7 Compliance Moats

### Moat 1: CSIA Certification Gating
CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certifies individuals via the CCS (Certified Chimney Sweep) and CCPE (Chimney & Venting Professional Educator) designations — not companies. "CSIA-certified company" is a misrepresentation unless every technician who performs chimney work holds a current CCS.

**Credential tiers:**
- **CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS):** Core CSIA credential; "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #[CCS-XXXX] — one of fewer than 1,800 active CCS professionals in the United States"; verifiable at csia.org/find-a-sweep; unlocks full CSIA credential marketing
- **Non-certified (CSIA Best Practices track):** "our technicians are trained to CSIA Best Practices guidelines" — does NOT use "CSIA Certified," "CSIA-certified company," or the CCS designation
- **NCSG Member:** National Chimney Sweep Guild membership is a trade association, not a certification; "NCSG member" is accurate; "NCSG certified" is not

**Block output:** "⚠️ BLOCKED: 'CSIA-certified company' requires every performing technician to hold an individual CCS credential. Provide: technician name + CCS number. 'Our company is CSIA certified' is permanently blocked — CSIA certifies individuals. Use 'Our sweep [Name] is CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #CCS-[XXXX]' with the CCS number provided."

---

### Moat 2: NFPA 211 Inspection Level Classification
NFPA 211 (2021 edition) defines three inspection levels with distinct scopes. Using the wrong level term, or omitting the level, creates liability and signals lack of expertise to every realtor, home inspector, and insurance adjuster referral source.

**NFPA 211 level enforcement:**
- **Level I:** "readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection" — appropriate for annual maintenance on a system with no changes and no known problems; "routine chimney inspection" must be labeled Level I if it doesn't include attic/crawl space access
- **Level II:** "all areas accessible by normal means, plus accessible portions of attics, crawl spaces, and basements" — NFPA 211 Section 14.2 REQUIRES Level II at all real estate transactions (change of occupancy/ownership), after any operational problem or system malfunction, after any modification to the system (new liner, new appliance), and after any external event that may have affected the chimney (earthquake, adjacent fire, severe weather); "pre-listing chimney inspection" must be Level II — marketing it as a "Level I" or just "inspection" is technically incorrect for real estate purposes
- **Level III:** includes controlled demolition — triggered by suspected hidden damage (structural collapse, major creosote fire damage); rare; requires written documentation

**Real estate referral gate:** All realtor referral copy must specify "NFPA 211 Level II inspection" (not "chimney inspection" or "pre-listing inspection"). This is the language realtors, home inspectors, and buyers' attorneys recognize and require. Omitting the level designation is permanently blocked in realtor-facing materials.

**Block output:** "⚠️ BLOCKED: 'Pre-listing chimney inspection' without specifying 'NFPA 211 Level II' is permanently blocked in real estate referral materials. NFPA 211 Section 14.2 requires Level II for all real estate transactions. Specify 'NFPA 211 Level II pre-listing chimney inspection' — this is the language realtors and home inspectors recognize."

---

### Moat 3: UL Liner Listing Accuracy
Chimney relining marketing must reference the specific UL listing number applicable to the fuel type and application. Using the wrong UL number voids the manufacturer warranty, creates code compliance liability, and signals to building inspectors that the contractor doesn't know what they installed.

**UL listing enforcement:**
- **UL 103:** Solid-fuel heating appliances — flexible and rigid stainless steel liner systems for wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, wood furnaces; "UL 103-listed stainless steel liner" is the correct designation for solid-fuel relining
- **UL 103HT:** High-temperature applications — coal and solid-fuel systems with flue gas temperatures above 1,000°F; "UL 103HT-listed liner system" for coal or high-temperature solid fuel
- **UL 127:** Factory-built fireplaces — zero-clearance fireplace units; "UL 127-listed factory-built fireplace" for prefab unit service pages
- **UL 1777:** Chimney liners for gas appliances — flexible liner systems for gas furnaces, water heaters, and gas log inserts when re-lining is required for gas appliance venting; "UL 1777-listed flexible gas liner" for gas appliance relining
- Generic "UL-listed liner" is permanently blocked — must specify the applicable UL listing number

**Block output:** "⚠️ BLOCKED: 'UL-listed liner' without specifying the UL listing number is permanently blocked. Specify: UL 103 (solid fuel), UL 103HT (high temperature solid fuel), UL 127 (factory-built fireplace), or UL 1777 (gas appliance liner) based on the appliance and fuel type being lined. The specific UL number is required for code compliance, manufacturer warranty, and home inspector acceptance."

---

### Moat 4: EPA Phase 2 Wood Heater Rules
All new solid-fuel heating devices (wood stoves, pellet stoves, fireplace inserts, indoor/outdoor wood heaters) manufactured after May 15, 2020 must be certified to EPA Phase 2 emission limits under 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart AAA (wood heaters) and Subpart QQQQ (other solid fuel-burning heaters). Installing or marketing the installation of non-Phase-2 units can constitute unlicensed sale of uncertified appliances in some jurisdictions.

**EPA Phase 2 enforcement:**
- All wood stove / fireplace insert installation copy includes: "We only install EPA Phase 2 certified units. Verify the EPA Certification Number at epa.gov/burnwise before purchase."
- Clark County / Southern Nevada burn advisory: "Wood-burning fireplace and fire pit use may be restricted during Clark County Air Quality Management Division No-Burn Episodes (typically October–March). Check airnow.gov or nvdetr.org before each use. Stage 1 No-Burn Episodes restrict all wood burning; Stage 2 restricts wood burning devices that are the primary heat source."
- "No-Burn Episode" language is required in all Southern Nevada wood-burning fireplace service and installation marketing
- "EPA-approved fireplace" is permanently blocked — EPA certifies emissions, not the appliance design for safety; the correct term is "EPA Phase 2 certified"

**Block output:** "⚠️ BLOCKED: 'EPA-approved wood stove/fireplace' is permanently blocked. Use 'EPA Phase 2 certified' with the certification number from epa.gov/burnwise. All installation marketing must include the Clark County No-Burn Episode disclosure for Southern Nevada."

---

### Moat 5: NFI Gas Appliance Credential + NV Gas Line Scope
The National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and CSIA are separate certification bodies with different scopes. Gas line work — beyond appliance connection — requires a state-issued plumbing or gas fitter license in Nevada and most states.

**NFI / CSIA scope enforcement:**
- **CSIA CCS:** Covers chimney, venting system, and flue — not gas appliance service; "CSIA-certified gas fireplace service" is blocked unless the sweep also holds NFI Gas Appliance Specialist certification
- **NFI Gas Appliance Specialist:** "NFI Gas Appliance Specialist — trained to inspect, service, and maintain gas logs, gas log sets, gas inserts, and direct-vent fireplace systems to manufacturer specifications"
- **NFI Wood Burning Specialist:** "NFI Wood Burning Specialist — trained in solid-fuel appliance installation, combustion efficiency, and fuel selection"
- **NFI Pellet Specialist:** pellet stove/insert service
- **Nevada gas line scope:** Gas valve replacement, gas pressure testing, new gas line installation, and gas piping beyond the appliance connection requires a Nevada State Contractors Board C-1 (Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling) or equivalent licensed contractor; "we handle all gas line work" for an NFI-only credential is permanently blocked — must disclose licensed plumber subcontractor requirement for gas line work beyond appliance connection

**Block output:** "⚠️ BLOCKED: 'CSIA-certified gas fireplace service' is permanently blocked without NFI Gas Appliance Specialist credential. Gas line work beyond appliance connection requires Nevada C-1 licensed contractor — disclose licensed subcontractor for gas piping work."

---

### Moat 6: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 Ladder Safety Disclosure
Every roof-access chimney inspection involves ladder use and working at height — OSHA-regulated activities under 29 CFR 1926.1053 (ladder safety) and 1926.502 (fall protection). Documenting OSHA compliance in marketing differentiates from unlicensed operators and provides a layer of premises liability protection.

**OSHA ladder safety enforcement:**
- All service page and company profile copy includes: "All roof-access chimney inspections are performed with OSHA-compliant ladder systems — our technicians are trained to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 ladder safety standards"
- "We climb on any roof" without safety protocol disclosure is permanently blocked
- Insurance carrier disclosure gate: if the contractor carries workers' comp and general liability, that disclosure strengthens the OSHA compliance signal; "fully insured including workers' compensation" triggers from any mention of competitor "day labor" or "handyman" alternatives

---

### Moat 7: FTC 2023 Endorsement Guides Compliance
The updated FTC Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255, effective June 2023) prohibit solicited star-rating requests, review incentives, fake reviews, and suppression of negative reviews. The FTC has issued civil investigative demands to local service contractors for "5-star review" request language.

**Review request enforcement:**
- "Please leave us a 5-star review" is permanently blocked — soliciting a specific star rating is an FTC 2023 violation
- "If you leave a review you'll receive 10% off your next service" is permanently blocked — review incentives require disclosure or are deceptive
- Compliant language: "If you were satisfied with our service, an honest review on Google helps other homeowners find reliable chimney professionals — we appreciate whatever you're willing to share"
- Review request sequence must include: technician name, service date, and a genuine satisfaction check before asking for the review (to avoid capturing negative reviews publicly)

---

## The 4 Prompts

### Prompt 1 (FREE): Seasonal Campaign + Real Estate Inspection Funnel
**Best for:** Fall gas fireplace tune-up campaign; free NFPA Level I visual inspection as lead gen; pre-season booking push; realtor/home inspector referral launch

Generates:
- Fall chimney safety campaign email sequence (3 emails, CSIA/NFI credentialed)
- Free NFPA Level I inspection offer landing page section
- Google My Business seasonal post series (4 posts, Clark County burn advisory integrated)
- NFPA 211 Level II pre-listing inspection referral letter (realtor version)

### Prompt 2: Service Pages + Chimney/Fireplace JSON-LD Schema
**Best for:** Website service pages with correct NFPA level language, UL listing numbers, EPA Phase 2 disclosure, and LocalBusiness JSON-LD schema

Generates:
- Gas fireplace service & tune-up page (NFI credential, annual maintenance checklist, JSON-LD)
- Wood-burning chimney sweep page (CSIA CCS #, creosote grade classification, NFPA 211 Level I/II)
- Chimney relining page (UL 103/103HT/UL 1777 listing language, liner sizing, smoke chamber parging)
- Chimney cap, crown, and masonry repair page (crown coat spec, mortar type, waterproofing)
- Dryer vent cleaning page (NFPA 211 Section 15, lint trap-to-exterior duct spec)
- EPA Phase 2 wood stove & insert installation page (epa.gov/burnwise link, NV burn advisory)
- NFPA 211 Level II pre-listing inspection page (realtor referral, home inspector co-marketing)

### Prompt 3: Reputation Engine + B2B Referral System
**Best for:** FTC 2023-compliant review generation and B2B referral program (realtors, home inspectors, property managers)

Generates:
- Post-service review request sequence (FTC 2023-compliant, 3-touch: text → email → card)
- NFPA 211 Level II pre-listing inspection referral letter (realtor version)
- Home inspector referral letter (Level II co-marketing)
- Real estate transaction coordinator letter
- Property manager annual chimney inspection program letter
- HOA preferred vendor application cover letter

### Prompt 4: Digital Ads + Local SEO
**Best for:** Google RSA ads, Facebook/Instagram seasonal ads, Google Business Profile posts, Nextdoor content, B2B outreach letters

Generates:
- Google RSA ad set: 15 headlines + 4 descriptions (gas fireplace service, chimney sweep, NFPA Level II pre-listing)
- Facebook/Instagram fall seasonal ad (image caption + copy + CTA, burn advisory compliant)
- Nextdoor neighborhood safety post (chimney fire statistics, NFPA 211 education angle)
- Home warranty company partner letter
- HOA newsletter feature article (chimney safety education, not salesy)
- Homebuilder warranty callback prevention letter

---

## Inputs Required

All prompts ask for:
- Business name and owner/technician name
- City/metro area
- CSIA CCS number (or "in training" for non-certified track)
- NFI credential(s) (Gas Appliance Specialist, Wood Burning Specialist, Pellet Specialist — if held)
- State contractor license number
- Services offered (gas, wood, pellet, dryer vent, masonry, relining, EPA Phase 2 installs)
- Years in business and Google review count/rating
- Key differentiators (same-day, 24/7 emergency, warranty, financing)

---

## Revenue Model

**Skill pricing:** $29 one-time (ClawHub)
**DFY upsell:** $79/service page package (7 pages = $553) — ~45 min per order
**Real estate referral kit:** $49 add-on (the 6-letter B2B realtor package alone)
**Schema build add-on:** $39/site (JSON-LD implementation for all service pages)

**Why chimney sweep v2.0?**
- 25,000+ chimney sweep companies in the US; fewer than 1,800 CSIA certified
- NFPA 211 Level II is required at every real estate transaction — 4–5 million home sales/year
- Gas fireplace service is year-round in Nevada (unlike wood-burning markets)
- EPA Phase 2 compliance creates installation compliance moat no generic tool can replicate
- Schema markup = page 1 Google organic rankings for "[city] chimney sweep" — direct revenue impact