Things to Look for When Hiring a Plumbing Contractor

The plumbing system of a home or any type of building is unarguably one of the most important systems of the edifice. This is because it is responsible for the inflow and outflow of all kinds of liquids; this includes water for essential daily activities and also waste products. What this entails, therefore, is that this system must be in top shape and functioning optimally.

Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating, you need the services of skilled contractors to ensure that every aspect of the project is carried out successfully. One of the most critical decisions you will have to make is choosing the best plumbing contractor to work on your project.

Hiring a competent professional will ensure the installation of a system that not only provides efficient solutions in the immediate but also prevents future hassles. In this article, we will share some factors to consider and things to look out for when looking for the right contractor to hire.

Factors to Consider in the Hiring Process

With the proliferation of so many plumbers out there, there is bound to be some un/underqualified workmen in the pool.

The following, therefore, are some of the things you must look out for in the process of your search: –

1. Licensing and Insurance

First and most important thing to look out for is the license and insurance. We consider it a critical factor because a valid license is an assurance that the prospective hire has completed the requisite training for the profession and is qualified to practice in the state where they are located. Insurance, on the other hand, indemnifies you in case there is any damage to property or injury incurred in the course of executing the project.

With a licensed contractor, you can rest assured that they understand the building and safety codes of the state and/or the municipal council in which they operate. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask for proof of license and insurance so that your legal bases are covered.

2. Experience and Specialization

In a trade such as plumbing, experience is an added advantage because some systems are complex, and any little mistake can lead to significant damage. That is why it is important to look for a professional with a good number of years of practical experience. More important is to ensure that the experience is in the area of specialization that aligns with your needs.

Plumbing is a wide field that encompasses different niches such as residential, commercial, new constructions, renovations, installations, and sewer line repairs. Therefore, ensure that your prospective hire gives you specific and clear answers as to the areas that they specialize in and how long they have been working in that niche.

A professional worth their salt will have experience and specialization in several areas. You can find out more about why you need a professional here: https://santmagazine.com/.

3. Transparent Pricing and Written Estimates

Getting a clear document that states how much you will be expected to pay is very important. You do not want someone that will give you a vague quote because there will most likely be hidden charges or unexpected costs at the end of the project and this can lead to a lot of unpleasantness.

When you settle on the contractor to hire, ask for a quote, and these are the things to look out for in the quote: –

A clear breakdown of materials to be used and the cost of labor.
Possible extra costs such as overtime charges and the cost of permits.
Timeline for the completion of the project.

Note that it is best to get at least 3 quotes so that you can compare and choose the prospect with the best value for money. Do not hire anyone/company because they have the lowest bid/estimate because you may end up with inferior materials and shoddy workmanship.

4. Reputation and References

The reputation of any contractor is one indicator of the type of work they put out, so do not fail to check out their reputation or ignore any negative vibes you get during inquiry.

You can get to know the reputation of the contractor you intend to hire by looking for reviews about them on platforms like Angi, Google, or Yelp. You can also check them out on BBB (Better Business Bureau) to find out whether they’ve had complaints filed against them.

Furthermore, you can check out their website to see what their previous customers have to say about them. Note the pattern in the reviews that they have both on their site and other platforms, as well as how they respond to customer complaints.

Some disgruntled customers may give negative reviews out of spite and not fact; so, note that one or two negative reviews do not mean you should write off the contractor.

Finally, you can ask family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues for referrals. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising through which you can get reliable and trustworthy handymen.

5. Guarantees and Warranties

A plumbing contract goes beyond just getting pipes and making installations; there is a need for precision and durability. Every good and reputable plumbing contractor will proudly stand behind their work by giving you a written warranty or guarantee.

When receiving a warranty or guaranty from a contractor, be sure to clarify the following: –

For how long is the labor guarantee?
Are the materials used covered by a warranty from the manufacturer?
What is the position of the contractor if something goes wrong after the completion of the project?

Any contractor who refuses to give you a written warranty is a red flag, and you should steer clear of such a person/company. With a warranty, you are assured that the contractor will put in their best to ensure that they do not have to do extra work or pay for any form of damage.

Click here for a quick study on the difference between warranty and guarantee.

Conclusion

Like we mentioned above, a plumber’s job goes beyond unclogging drains and fixing leaks. These professionals are essential for the smooth functioning of our homes, offices, and other types of buildings in some regards. It is therefore important that the process of hiring them should not be taken lightly.

Since plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, we recommend that you have a reliable plumber on speed dial. Use the tips shared here to get a reliable contractor even before you think you need them.