From some of the articles that I’ve read on franchising opportunities, two fields have stuck out as very low cost (as such, popular) to start up – cleaning services and chimney sweeps. Much like hiring a plumber, many of the same requirements should make it to your questioning phase of the company or person you speak to:

1. Hire a company that is licensed and insured. For your safety, many demand drug-free workplaces and conduct thorough background checks of their employees. Ask for the license number and, at least in NYC verify online that it’s valid.
2. Get references if possible. How long has the company/sweep been in business? What is their specialty (construction, heating etc..)?
3. The sweep should be able to give you the total price of the job, and you should approve the price before the work starts. Don’t get caught in the pricing game. You deserve to know what the repair or service will cost BEFORE the work begins. For the most part, an experienced sweep has seen your problem before and knows what it will take to fix it.
4. Can the sweep show proof of worker’s compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you will be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.

How to Choose a Chimney Sweep

The chimney service trade is not regulated, nor are chimney sweeps licensed in most states. Further, opening a chimney service business requires a relatively small capital investment. Thus, virtually anyone – without education, training, experience or even a working knowledge of proper tools or equipment can become a chimney sweep. As a result, many ill-equipped, ill-prepared individuals are free to offer their “services” to homeowners. (source link)

Trade associations:

• Chimney Safety Institute of America
• National Chimney Sweep Guild

Check up on the company that looks best: The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (check the type of license issued): http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/licenses.shtml

The Better Business Bureau National Information System: http://www.bbbnewyork.org/

The first place I called after checking the BBB and NYC DCA:

US Chimney (it also helps that they said someone would arrive tomorrow from 9am-11am) http://www.uschimney.com License Check BBB check

Experience with US Chimney:

The Steve and his crew arrived on time, provided company IDs and proof of insurance. The work was really well done:

• The hole cut in the wall to access the chimney was done in such a way that repairs should not require new material.
• Drop cloths and paper were used extensively to seal off the area and prevent dust/debris from scattering throughout the apartment.
• They provided documentation on what they were doing in addition to taking pictures of their work before and after the job was done for documentation purposes.
• The job was started and completed in one day — they didn’t break for lunch and only left after the job was done.