7 Things to Keep in Mind Before Hiring a Plumber
Below you will find several things you need to be aware of before you hire a plumber to work on your home.
28/01/2020
In this article we look at several things you need to be aware of before you hire a plumber or after-hours emergency plumber.
There are several things you need to be aware of before you hire a plumber to work on your home. Some are simple like payment information, the details of the work they will do, and whether or not the plumber is licensed. Before you ever give the go-ahead to a plumber, here are some things you need to know before the work begins.
#1 Is the plumber licensed?
This is far more important than most people think and they never ask the question, possibly assuming that all plumber has a license, this is not the case. To hold a license means that the plumber is registered with the state or city you live in. You can access the qualifications and rules that apply to their work. What is wrong with hiring an unlicensed plumber? If something goes wrong after they have finished, you will have little or no recourse, worse still your insurance may not cover any damage because you chose to work with someone without a license.
#2 Is it better to work with a local company?
If you choose a company that is not located near your home, by the time they respond, any extra damage caused by the issue might have been avoided. If you are having a problem with your plumbing, finding a local plumber that you can rely upon is advisable. A local plumber will be able to respond in a more timely fashion in case of an emergency. Local plumbers are also familiar with local issues, and because of this, they may be able to provide you with a solution to complicated problems much faster than someone who is not familiar with the area.
#3 Do they charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Many plumbing contracts have a clause that states, homeowners must bear the costs of completing the job. It is essential that you the price you are being quoted is a flat rate and cannot be increased with labour costs. Some companies charge hourly rates, but these are best to be avoided as the final prices are outside of your control. Read the contract carefully and ask the right questions before you sign it.
#4 When do they need to be paid?
This question is fundamental, and you always need to know when a plumber expects to be paid. Anyone who asks for 100% of the costs upfront should not be trusted, walk away. Depending on the job, some will ask for payment once certain milestones are met, this is acceptable as they want to ensure they will not be left out of pocket either. Using payment milestones is the safest method to pay any tradesman; it is a good option for both parties concerned. Both the client and the plumber will know when payments are due and, within reason, when the job is scheduled to be finished.
#5 Who will be doing the work?
It is widespread practice for larger plumbing companies to employ different plumbers to do the appraisals and the actual work. If it is a large project, expect to see a team of plumbers turn up. So it is crucial to find out correctly, who will be doing the work and if each individual is licensed and qualified. If at any stage you feel uncomfortable with the answer, pull the plug and work with someone else. This is your home or premises, and you decide who should gain entry, nobody else.
#6 Will they cover the cleanup costs?
I know that this one seems a little obvious, but it isn't. You would be amazed with the amount of time, home, and business owners are left with a mess to clean because they didn’t ask this question. Old parts, boxes for the new parts, bits of plastic and other things just left there after the job is complete. Make sure that the final cleanup is part of the initial quote.
#7 Always ask for a complete breakdown of the costs.
Most licensed plumbers will offer a free estimate, but don’t take one over the phone, make sure they come to inspect the work needed first. Once a professional plumber has had the chance to look over a project and provides you with the estimate, make sure you ask if the price includes any parts and additional labour costs that might occur. Many people will get caught by disreputable plumbers who tack on extra fees and labour, driving the bill through the roof before the job is complete.
The process of hiring a plumber can be daunting for many people keeping these seven things in mind and asking the right questions will make ensure you get the job done correctly much more comfortable.