7 tips on how to find a good potter

Finding a skilled and reputable potter is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s heating hearths and chimneys.

A potter specializes in manufacturing ovens, stoves, and other heating devices, and it is essential to verify their professional certification and skill level.

Professional work and certification guarantee compliance with legal requirements. Engaging an inexperienced or unqualified potter can be dangerous, as poorly constructed, maintained, or repaired fireplaces may lead to serious consequences such as fires or carbon monoxide leaks. A competent potter should also provide certificates of work execution and detailed drawings.

Therefore, it is vital to choose a potter who is competent, possesses the appropriate professional certification, and has sufficient experience to deliver the highest quality service. Selecting the right potter not only ensures the safety of your heating systems but also saves you money, as well-built fireplaces are more efficient and durable.

So, how can you find the best potter?

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Seek recommendations: Ask friends, neighbors, or colleagues for referrals to reputable potters. Positive experiences from others indicate a higher likelihood of a positive outcome for you.
  2. Verify professional certification: Ensure that the potter holds a valid professional certificate, demonstrating their responsibility for efficient and safe work. Membership in a professional association can further guarantee adherence to professional standards. The Estonian Qualifications Authority (trademark – Kutsekoda) provides relevant information on its website here.
  3. Look for experienced potters online: Give preference to potters with a long-standing presence in the industry and a track record of diverse projects. This indicates their experience and competence in tackling complex issues.
  4. Request quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple potters to compare prices and services. However, remember that the lowest price does not always guarantee the best quality. Cheaper options may come from less experienced or less competent potters.
  5. Read reviews: Check for reviews of the potter on social media groups, forums, or other online platforms to gauge the quality of their work and customer satisfaction. Exercise caution, as reviews may not always be entirely reliable.
  6. Consult professional associations: In Estonia, the NGO Eesti Pottsepad (Estonian Potters) can provide reliable partnerships. Information about the Estonian Potters’ Union you can find here.
  7. Inquire at heating equipment salons: Seek recommendations from salons that sell heating equipment, such as the Kodukolle heating salon. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of finding a reputable potter who has sourced necessary accessories from reliable heating suppliers.

Ultimately, there are various avenues to find the right potter for your needs. The hearth is often considered the heart of a home, so it’s essential to engage a skilled and trustworthy potter with a professional certificate approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority. Visit the Kodukolle salon in Tallinn, Rakvere, or Jõhvi, where our team will assist you in finding a reliable potter. The salon locations can be found here.