MASTER PLUMBER
The top of the plumbers’ hierarchy is the master’s qualification. Their experience is considerable, their practice is sufficient, and many happy clients can prove their work quality. Such plumbers have passed all kinds of exams; however, they never cease developing and updating their knowledge. They establish their own plumbing companies and hire other professionals to their teams. Such plumbers can face any challenge and deal with any tough work.
Beware of too big words used in advertisements, check the qualification of the plumber you are hiring, and the results will be exceptional. Or you can ask around and rely on the past experience of the trusted people from your circles.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering’s website can be another helpful option.
5. TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER
When plumbing is concerned, the best a homeowner can do is find and deal with a licensed and trustworthy professional. Even the tiniest mistake on the part of a plumber can entail considerable damage and unearthly expenditure. Most repairs and complete renovations will cost you dear and take a lot of precious time on the performance. It will also bring about certain inconveniences while plumbers are on the job.
Despite the adverse outcomes that hiring a non-professional can entail, some people still overestimate the work of amateurs, trying to save up on the rates. Here is the shortlist of 10 most essential questions you should think to ask your future plumber before he sets to work. Consider these carefully as it can help you avoid extra payment and will ensure the top-notch result of your plumbing work.
1. DO YOU HAVE A CERTIFICATE?
A license is a guarantee of the best quality of service. It also means that the person has undergone all the needed procedures, received education and had ample practice in the field, and obtained the state authorities’ respect and certification. Look through the documents, licenses, and diplomas the plumber has. A great plumber will have these ready to demonstrate to you. Even if a plumber is only an apprentice, ask him for a license, too. He should have one. Some good plumbers work without any certificates or permits. While they can be trustworthy and professional enough, minimize the chances to get in trouble by hiring pros only.
2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN PLUMBING?
The longer, the better. A great experience is a matter of years of continuous practice and training. Check the plumber’s record to see how many projects he has completed. Major plumbing companies hire plumbers with ample expertise, so you can use their services trouble-free. Ask your contractor about their plumbers’ years of practice. Look out for the best ones.
3. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
A free estimate is one way. They arrive at your household, weigh up the issues, measure the future works’ scale, and come up with the prices right on the spot. This is an appropriate method of evaluating the costs. If a plumber tries to impose an ample rate while speaking to you on the telephone, think twice before you hire them. Schedule the plumber’s visit to let him see the issues by himself and make the precise estimate. This will save you from additional payment. Make him evaluate the price for underlying minor works to ensure the total cost will not disappoint you.
4. HOURLY OR FLAT RATE?
There can be many small costs included in the main work estimate. Go for a flat rate because it will be the same until the end of the work. Avoid negative surprises by asking your contractor directly about the type of rate they use. Hourly rate will rely on the time the works will take. Usually, the end of the works delays and repairs last for longer than homeowners expect, which will inevitably increase the total.
Before you sign a contract, figure out all the included rates, and discuss the details with your plumber company’s details.
5. CAN WE GO CHEAPER?
Money matters a lot. While choosing the best plumbing team, make sure that the price they offer is reasonable. Check out several plumbing companies and compare their pricing policies. However, do not entrust the solving of severe issues to a company that charges extremely low. It can be the direct sign of the mediocre quality of their servicing. On the other hand, there is no guarantee the most expensive plumber is the best one. Choose responsibly and reasonably to find the golden middle. Don’t try to save up on the quality of service, and don’t splurge as well.
6. WHEN SHOULD I PAY?
It is another crucial question to ask before the work starts. Beware of full-cost payments in advance, because you can get disappointed at the results before the job is over, and it will be challenging to get the money back. Pay in installments to balance the situation: weekly or monthly pays, depending on the length of the operation, are motivating for the plumbing team members and contractors, and you will be safe from overpaying and considerable time spent on returning your money if anything goes wrong. If a job is minor, you can consider paying when it is over. Most contractors will not mind that. You can also pay as an individual task is over to accelerate the speed of the works.
7. WHO WILL DO IT?
Ask the plumber who comes to estimate the cost and measure the issues a question about the person who will perform the repairs or renovation. Find out information about the professional’s certificates, qualifications, and overall experience. If possible, check his record to make sure that you entrust your household to a trustworthy person. Good plumbing companies will gladly share this information with you.
8. WILL THEY CLEAN UP IN THE END?
Some plumbing teams do not provide services for cleaning the work site after they finished the job. It will take you a considerable amount of time to do it on your own or call a cleaning company to do it for you. While some companies avoid this dirty work, others include the cleaning procedures into the total estimate. Do not hesitate to pay a little extra. Your home will be clean, and it will be worth it. Ask your plumbers if they can offer such an option.
9. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING BREAKS?
In case anything happens to your household’s features, a professional plumber bears all the responsibility for his failures. However, before the work begins, make sure that the plumber guarantees he will pay if something breaks or goes out of order in your home. A 1-year warranty for the services will be enough for your security. Be careful to get the guarantee in the written form. Avoid those plumbers who don’t provide any such warranties.
10. CHECK OUT SOME REVIEWS
And finally, look for the reviews of happy clients on the Internet. Simple as it is, it will help you make the right decision. Don’t get fooled by paid comments and browse reliable websites for the information. Look for the companies getting the best reviews, and do not forget to leave one yourself. It will help other homeowners to make the best choice in their pursuit to find the top-quality plumbing company.