By Mitch Rice
Finding a reliable and trustworthy local plumber can be tough these days. With so many plumbers willing to take advantage of anxious homeowners, it’s no wonder that only about 10% of the country has a trusted plumber as their friend and neighbor.
To guarantee you always get quality service from your plumbing contractor, you need to do everything you can to vet them. Ask for references from previous clients, check out reviews online, and make sure they appear on Google Maps. These are all the things you need to think about when hiring anyone for any job. But what if you want to be extra cautious? Here are some tips that will help keep you safe and secure with your Hamilton plumbing.
- Inspect the job site before you approve it.
On the first visit to your home, be sure to walk around the entire structure, from top to bottom, inspecting all aspects of the plumbing system. It’s easy to zone in on a problem area and miss something huge if you don’t have a complete picture. A basic inspection will help you find leaks, damaged lines, and aging or broken parts of your plumbing system. This is especially useful if you plan to redo large portions of your home.
It could help you save thousands of dollars by spotting problems before they become huge issues. If your plumbing contractor is taking care to clean up the site, it’s a good sign. This is especially true if they put down a plastic membrane to protect your driveway. You last want to have someone trip over a hose lying on the ground.
- Invest in a home protection package.
When hiring a plumber, make sure they’re part of your home protection program. This way, you’re automatically covered for any plumbing-related emergencies. The program will typically cover the costs of hiring a contractor if your pipes burst or you have a significant home renovation. It’s a great way to protect yourself from the hefty costs of unplanned repairs. Plus, it saves you the hassle of dealing with contractors who may take advantage of you in a tight spot. Once you’ve invested, it’s worth participating in the program for years to come. At the very least, make it a requirement for all your future plumbers.
- Always ask for written estimates.
Be sure to ask for a written estimate for any work you’re planning to do. This includes everything from replacing a faucet to updating your entire plumbing system. Plumbing jobs are often complex, and it’s easy to miss a minor issue. Having a written estimate will help you see exactly how much everything will cost you upfront. You can ask your plumber to give you an estimate by hand if you want to be extra cautious.
Unlike many trades, plumbers are legally required to issue a written estimate. This is a great way to ensure you don’t end up paying too much for work you weren’t expecting. On the other hand, it’s also an excellent way to protect yourself from plumbers who try to under-quote jobs. If you know the estimate in advance, you have the power to reject work that’s worth less than you think.
- Don’t rely on your gut.
Sometimes, you know. You know that your new plumber is trustworthy; they know what they’re doing. It’s easy to dismiss these feelings, though. After all, you could be nervous. The thing is, though, you could be on to something. A study by Brigham Young University discovered that gut feelings are often correct. This means that it’s essential to trust your instincts when hiring plumbers. You don’t need to base your decision on a hunch. Instead, be sure to base your decision on facts and figures. That way, you don’t end up making a decision based on intuition alone.
- Review all offers and contracts thoroughly.
Ensure you get a full copy of the offer from your plumber. This should include a detailed description of the work they’re discussing, the cost, and a breakdown of the payment terms. Make sure you’re comfortable with everything before signing the contract. You should also ensure that the work has been fully approved by your homeowners’ or mortgage insurance company. If so, you can sign the work-off as being “OK” by the insurance company.
You should also review the plumber’s contract and insurance policies. Make sure they’re fully covered if they’re working on your home. If the plumber is doing work that’s fully covered by your insurance policy, it’s worth getting a copy of the contract and ensuring that everything is spelled out.
Final Thoughts
Having a reliable and trustworthy plumber in your life can make all the difference in living comfortably. Whether for repairs or major renovations, it pays to hire a trustworthy and experienced plumber who knows the area and the system well. The tips from the article above will help you find and hire a reliable plumber in Hamilton who knows the area and the system well.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
