Plumber, Furnace, and Chimney recommendations in Rochester, NY?

Plumber, Furnace, and Chimney recommendations in Rochester, NY?

Investor · Rochester, NY · Member since 2015 · 24 posts · 3 votes

Hi Rochester investors,

I closed on my first duplex at the end of December and need to have some maintenance work done. Who could you recommend for the following jobs?

1. Furnace: the property has two old (20+ years) gas furnaces that I'd like to have tuned up, cleaned, filters changed, etc. I got one quote over the phone for $99/furnace. Does this sound like a good price, and do you have anyone to recommend? I would like to find someone who is truly interested in keeping the old furnaces running, and won't try to use the tuneup service as a way to sell me two new furnaces.

2. Plumber: one of the tenants reported that from time to time over the past 4 years, the laundry tub and washing machine drain will back up with sewage and flood her side of the basement. I'm looking for a plumber who can diagnose and fix the problem before it happens again and it becomes an emergency.

3. Chimney: related to the furnaces, the chimney needs a flue liner, and some bricks replaced and a rain cover installed on the crown.

Also, are landlords ever eligible for the RG&E rebates on installing or tuning up furnaces, or can we pass the savings on to tenants (http://www.rge.com/MediaLibrary/2/5/Content%20Mana...)? I'd be happy to let the tenants get the savings on their next bill if I can't get the rebates myself.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

-bryan

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  • Investor · Fairport, NY · Member since 2015 · 124 posts · 74 votes
    10y

    Bryan,

    Congrats on the new purchase!  Which part of the city is the property located?  Are you working with a property management company?

    Russ

  • Investor · Ontario, NY · Member since 2015 · 17 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    Hi Bryan,

    Congrats on the purchase!  I own 11 apartments myself.  Tips I have for you are:

    Furnace:  I pay about $70/furnace for cleaning.  1st cleaning you get an idea of the shape they are in. They test the limit switches, clean the burners and check the heat exchanger for cracks.  I put in my own inexpensive filters twice each heating season.

    Plumber:  I use Roto-Rooter every time.  No charge for a visit and free estimate with a written guarantee. Very competitive on price.

    Chimney: Chimney liners can be installed by furnace installer and are not cheap, labor intensive.  Mason can do the brick work. Find a good local mason for small jobs like that. Craigslist...

    Yes, furnace rebates are given to landlords.  You need to contact RG&E for a reservation number and they send you the paperwork  I just got $300 back on mine.

    Good luck!

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