Before You Hire a Plumber

Hiring a plumber or a home contractor should not be a complicated process, but there are several factors that you should take into consideration. Choosing the right plumber for your home is a delicate process that necessitates lots of research and preparation. If you just pick any plumber from the phonebook, the chances are that you might encounter a home contractor that does not have your best interests at heart. While this advice is not groundbreaking by any means, they serve as a friendly reminder of what you should already know. By following the below key points, you will derive the best value from these professional services. 

1. Names & References 
Some plumbers develop positive reputations for their responsible nature and hard work. As such, the best way to look for a plumber is through word-of-mouth. Talk to your friends, neighbours, and coworkers for recommendations. If you live nearby, then it is likely that the plumber will be in near proximity too. 

Also, you should do sufficient research regarding your plumber's reputation. One possible method is to look up the references online, or gather opinions through word-of-mouth. For more details, you can also examine the plumber's legal and business records, thus ensuring there are no offensive problems at hand. 

2. Costs 
Always confirm the costs of your plumbing services before the actual visit. The last thing you want is to be surprised by a bunch of miscellaneous fees that you know nothing about. If there are additional expenses, you should consult with the plumber beforehand so that you have the money prepared. It is also good to compare hourly rates between the plumbers, so that you could employ the one that best matches your financial status. 

Since some plumbers charge an hourly rate, including a flat fee for the house visit, make sure you always clarify these rates before the visit to avoid any misunderstandings. The plumber should be able to give you a clear time estimation of the job. Before the visit, you are best prepared if you know the approximate price of your services. 

3. Plans 
An efficient way to save money is to minimize your plumbing needs. That is not to say you should start fixing the drains and pipes by yourself, but you are better off familiarizing yourself with the problem before hiring a plumber. If you know what you want as the homeowner, then the plumber will naturally follow suit. 

The plumber should be able to describe the repair job in detail. This is especially true if the job requires specialized knowledge. Vague descriptions translate to a lack of knowledge, which basically wastes your time and resources. You can identify an expert plumber by the confidence and the clear details in the instructions. 

4. Reliability 
Make sure the plumber gives a guarantee to follow up any work in progress. Some plumbers may not be as reliable as others, which you will find out through research and references. If you do find a reliable plumber, you should keep in contact in case you need their services again. They will be happy with more business, while you will be happy with a plumbing job well done. 

Keep in mind that not all licensed plumbers deliver good services, but those without certification are less likely to be trustworthy than not. Having a license to operate is a sign that your plumber is familiar with the industry. 

5. Experience 
You should record your experience with the plumber afterwards. If you feel satisfactory with the work, please consider hiring the plumber again in the future.


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