Hiring the right people to conduct any kind of work in your house is essential, but even more when it comes to plumbing. Plumbing work can get expensive really fast and working with someone unreliable or unlicensed could lead to a disaster. Not to mention that a lot of plumbing issues are emergencies, so you’ll have no choice but to cover for the additional damage they may cause. This is why you need to work with someone with the proper expertise and that you get it right the first time. Here are some questions you should ask before you hire any plumber.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
The very first thing you have to do before hiring a plumber is making sure that they have the proper licensing and that they’re insured. Insurance is very important, especially if they’re bringing other people in.
If they happen to cause damage to your property or injure a third party, it’s their insurance that will be responsible for handling the issue. This goes even if someone they’re working with is injured. Also, if you work with people who are unlicensed and uninsured, you void part of your homeowner’s insurance and won’t be repaid for the damage.
You also have to know that licensing for plumbers is done locally. So, if you were thinking of working with plumbers Mt Vernon, you have to make sure that they received their master plumbing license in New York and have the paperwork to prove it. You also need to follow up with the insurance information they give you and call the insurance provider.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay?
First of all, beware of anyone who offers a quote over the phone. These are people that will say anything you want to hear. The reality is that they can’t tell unless they come in person and see what the issue is really about.
Their quote should be comprehensive and include things such as the cost for parts and labor as well as any contingency risk. You also want to know how much you’ll have to pay for follow-up care and maintenance.
How do I Need to Pay?
You also need to know how you will be paying for their work. Some may charge you a flat fee for the work while others will charge per hour. Some will require that you give them part of the money upfront and the rest upon completion, while others will want the whole sum. You shouldn’t be scared if they do, but you have to make sure that you verify their track record and licensure first.
In most cases, plumbers will ask for an hourly fee if this is for a labor-intensive job. Flat fees are more common for small jobs that can be completed fast.
What About Warranties?
You also have to make sure that you choose a plumber that will be ready to back their work. You want to know what type of warranties there are on parts and labor. Most will offer some sort of routine check free of charge. Whatever it is, make sure that any policy is down in writing.
These are just some of the questions you should ask before choosing any plumber. These will ensure that they have the expertise needed and are operating lawfully.
