Choosing a local plumbing contractor means giving some serious thought to a few key factors that help ensure you'll get not only quality service but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing a qualified professional is working in your home. The very first step is to check the contractor's credentials and insurance coverage.
A plumbing contractor should have a license. That's a good starting point. It indicates that the contractor has met some minimal training and skill requirements. Beyond that, however, it is also crucial that you confirm the contractor has insurance. This protects you in case the contractor causes an accident or some damage occurs while service is being rendered. Beyond just checking the paperwork, though, you may also want to examine the plumbing contractor's history. A good place to start is with the Shakespearean phrase:
"To be or not to be, that is the question."
In plumbing contractor terms, this means going back over some basic, critical requirements.
One of the most powerful ways to choose a plumber is through word of mouth. When you can speak to a friend, family member, or neighbor who has had plumbing work done, and that person can direct you to a reliable local plumber, you are well on your way to making a good choice.
Plenty of people have had plumbing work done and can steer you in the right direction. And when you ask around, the recommendations should come with plenty of useful information about the pros and cons of the plumbing service in question. You can often get a good sense of the quality of work done by a plumber from the stories of people you know.
Finally, the pricing clarity and the accessibility of thorough price quotes are vital components of a plumber's reliability. An honest plumber should furnish you with a clear estimate that reflects the work's true scope, the materials that will definitely be necessary, and any extra costs that might crop up. Avoid the estimators and price quoters—when you can find them—like the plague. They give you bad vibes. And remember, unambiguous communication, which includes satisfactory answers to your questions whenever you have them, is also part of a good plumber's (and bad plumber's) customer service hit list. You want to understand what to expect and be aligned up front to maximize the effectiveness of the service and have no misunderstandings whatsoever as to what kinds of things will crop up in either conversation or conversation silence after the work's done.