What Should I Look For When Hiring a Plumber?
There are several things to consider before hiring a plumber to do any kind of plumbing work in your home. The difference can mean less money out of pocket for proper plumbing, rather than having to redo it, because of improper procedures done by someone that just patches the problem to get it done. These are 4 things to consider when hiring a plumber.
Get References
This will tell you a lot about previous satisfaction work done for other people, and can also advise you on the plumbers work ethics or reputation. You won’t believe how much other people observe, and are willing to let others know about their experience with a certain plumber or plumbing company. Ask a plumber how long they have been in business, or how they started doing plumbing work. This might give you some insight of their experience and their training.
Licensed and Bonded
It’s always a good idea to ask if they are licensed and bonded. For your own protection most reputable companies are both, but some plumbers doing on the side jobs may not be. If anything goes wrong during the job and the plumber breaks a pipe or fixture, the plumber may not be willing to replace the fixture, and may want to charge you for extra work in fixing the pipe or replacing it. This can cause more money out of pocket than you had planned on spending.
Hourly Rates
Always ask for the hourly rates, because some plumbers will charge by the hour, while others charge by the job. A well known company only means their name is well know through good advertising. A cheaper hourly rate, does not always mean that is the right plumber for the job, instead choose reputation, satisfied customers, and experienced plumbers with the right credentials as a better choice for a job well done. Ask for a Written Estimate, there’s nothing wrong with asking for an estimate over the phone if possible. This will give you a figure to work with. Sometimes they prefer not to give over the phone estimates, as people tend to try to hold them to that estimate. Make sure you ask for a written estimate when you decide to hire. The estimate will state exactly what you agreed the work would include such as material, cost, and other agreements made.
We want to make sure our Berkeley customers are happy, so leave the plumbing projects up to Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating. Don’t delay and call (510) 876-9725 today!
