Questions To Ask Your Plumbing Contractor

As a homeowner or business owner it’s important to know that you are hiring a professional who can perform the work you are paying them to do. Below are some GREAT things to ask any professional you are hiring.

Before beginning any new construction or remodeling of a kitchen or bathroom, a homeowner needs to find a qualified, dependable plumbing contractor. It is important to have a firm grasp of what type of contractor should be hired before even beginning to discuss the project with potential plumbers.

CHOOSING A PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

Finding the best plumbing contractor for a specific project should not be difficult if the right preparation and research is made in advance. Some questions should be asked of every plumbing business, no matter how large or small.

1. – Are all plumbers who may work on my project licensed?

2. – Are your plumbers insured?

3. – Do you charge per hour or per project? What is the hourly rate? What is the charge for any overtime hours?

4. – Is your plumbing work guaranteed against leaks, breakage and failure? What is the time frame for the guarantee?

5. – Would you provide me with references from past clients?

Keeping the conversation casual and avoiding an ‘interrogation’ tone will go along way toward developing rapport and trust with the plumber. Even if the plumbing company answers all of these questions to your satisfaction, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the person’s professionalism. Gruff responses or annoyances over being questioned can indicate a less than professional person who may not provide the high level of service that you need.

VERIFYING A REPUTABLE PLUMBER

A few ways to help determine if a plumbing contractor has an excellent reputation are:

– Contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB), via phone or internet to ask if this plumbing company is BBB Accredited or if any complaints have been filed against the company.

– Asking friends and neighbors about their experience with area plumbers.

– Searching for plumbing business on the Internet. If the company has a website, reading all of the information provided there can be an excellent way to learn more about the company, its history, and plumbing specialties. It’s important to remember, however, that a small, independent plumber may have a website or may have a very basic site that appears unprofessional. This shouldn’t be considered an indication of the plumber’s capabilities and dependability.

DEVELOPING A CONTRACT

Before any major plumbing project begins, both the homeowner and plumber should sign a contract covering details of the job. This contract should include the estimated cost, an estimated date of project completion, the types and/or specific names of materials and fixtures that will be used, which party will obtain necessary building permits, and details of any guarantee.

As with any business project , it is a good idea to communicate openly with the plumbing contractor at all stages of the project. As much as possible, involve the plumber when drafting a contract. Both parties should read the contract together and agree to each term before signing.