Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing home, you will probably need to hire plumbing contractors to handle any bathroom and kitchen work that involves the plumbing system. While many professional builders have connections with all sorts of different contractors, you may wish to hire your own plumbing professionals. In order to feel confident with your choice, there are a few basic questions you can ask to insure that the contractors you choose have the knowledge, expertise, and passion for plumbing so that your home looks great upon completion.
Training and Experience
Ask the plumbing contractors you speak with about their training and experience. Before you ask this question though, it’s important to know what you want from a plumber. There are plumbers that attend technical schools to earn a certificate in plumbing, and then there are those that learn through an apprenticeship program. Both types of training leave most plumbers competent enough to do all sorts of projects, but some people do prefer plumbers who have gone through an apprenticeship program while others prefer a graduate of a technical or trade school.
You want to know how long the contractor has been working, the types of projects typically worked on, and whether or not he or she has a portfolio of projects. Many plumbing contractors can provide before and after pictures of home projects to show you the quality of worked performed by the company.
Estimates and Charges
While there are plumbing services offered at a flat rate, like fixing a leaky toilet, larger projects are often charged by the billing hour. Before you hire anyone, have the plumber provide an estimate for the overall cost of the project, but also explain how that estimate may go up during the course of the work. You want a detailed explanation of how the company charges for large projects and exactly what you will be paying for at the end of the project.
References
Before you give any plumbing contractors the okay to begin work, it’s important to talk to references. Any plumber with some experience should have a handful of references you can speak with before starting your project. Ask the references provided how they liked working with the plumber, if they felt the cost was fair for the quality of work, and if the plumber maintained a high level of professionalism from beginning to end. By asking the right questions beforehand, you will get a plumber you trust to do work in your home.
To find plumbing contractors that can help with your large project.
