Plumbing problems are no fun to deal with, and when you’re looking to hire an emergency plumber to come fix them, it can be hard to know where to start. It’s also easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options out there and feel lost as to which contractor you should hire, especially if it’s your first time using one. Below are 10 tips that will help you find the right contractor in your area and help you find someone who will do quality work at a fair price.
1) Ask Your Friends
It can be easy to find local contractors when you live in an area where people rely on word of mouth and referrals. Asking your friends if they know any reputable plumbers is a great way to start. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to three or four possible candidates, it’s time to look into their credentials. Start by calling them up and asking how long they’ve been in business and what kind of training they’ve received. Depending on whether they’re licensed and/or bonded, you should also ask if there are any complaints against them with local consumer protection groups or state agencies that regulate contracting.
2) A quick Google Search
Before contacting any plumber, take a minute to look them up on Google. If they have multiple complaints against them, you may want to move on and find someone else. You’ll also want to see what their online reputation is like – that can give you an idea of how they handle themselves professionally, even if there are no complaints listed. When it comes down to it, there is only one thing that matters: do you trust your plumber? If so, great! Get ’em on board! If not, keep searching.
3) Look for Reviews on Social Media Platforms
If you need how to find nearby plumbing contractors, don’t just look at one website. You could try looking on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to see what others are saying about local plumbers. You might be surprised to find out what people think about them! Don’t forget to check with the Better Business Bureau too; you can use their site to search for plumbers near you and see if they have any reviews from customers. When hiring a local plumber, trust is everything—don’t make that decision lightly!
4) Get Bids From More Than One Contractor
If you are getting quotes from multiple contractors, ask if they will submit separate bids. That way, you can compare prices from each company and hire someone who has competitive rates. If you want to hire someone in your area, start by asking friends and family if they know of any good plumbers. You may also want to call your local city or county office where they may be able to point you toward a reputable contractor. Always remember that good service can cost more money but bad service is always more expensive.
5) Check Their Licenses and Insurance Coverage
You’re under no obligation to hire or work with someone you don’t like or trust. If something doesn’t seem right about your plumbing company, trust your gut—your body may be trying to tell you that it doesn’t feel comfortable working with them. Remember: You can always call another plumber and have them come out to inspect your current one if you just aren’t sure.
6) Ask Questions
When it comes to hiring a plumber, your gut instinct matters. If something doesn’t seem right, then don’t hire them. It’s ok to keep looking and make sure you find someone who makes you feel comfortable enough to bring them into your home. One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring a local plumbing contractor is their lack of knowledge about pipes and how much work will be required on their behalf. Your plumber should be able to clearly explain all costs involved in starting and finishing projects so that you can avoid any surprises in your final bill. Be sure to ask questions! You wouldn’t trust anyone else with your bank account; why would you trust them with access to your pipes?
7) Trust Your Gut Instinct
If you’re looking at more than one plumber, trust your gut instinct. You may not be able to put your finger on why they seem like a good fit, but there’s probably something in their professionalism or mannerisms that puts them over everyone else. If nothing else, you can eliminate some of those who don’t make it past basic screening questions. For example: if someone is late for or cancels an interview, strike them from your list.
8) Evaluate the Length of Time They’ve Been in Business
Any time you’re hiring someone to perform work in your home, it’s important that you don’t sign anything you don’t understand or haven’t read carefully. Always pay with cash and make sure that any deposits or payments are made in person and not through Western Union. You never want to use wire transfers of any kind because it can be tough—if not impossible—to get your money back when things go wrong. Don’t take chances with wiring your money; instead, follow local laws and pay in person by either check or cash.
9) Review How They Handle Customer Service Issues
When something goes wrong with your home, you want to hire someone who will handle it quickly and efficiently. Call up local plumbers in your area and see how long it takes them to answer their phones, schedule an appointment (if you can), and then resolve issues on-site. Make sure you receive a receipt upon payment and that they have an easily accessible phone number. Pay attention to how they deal with you—are they friendly? Do they show up on time? How long does it take for them to fix things? If your new contractor is slow or rude when handling customer service issues, think twice about hiring him/her full-time.
10) Don’t Sign Anything You Don’t Understand
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people just sign their plumbing invoice without understanding what it is or what they’re signing. Do your research and understand every line of your contract. If you’re not clear on anything, ask questions. For example, if there are charges you don’t recognize, find out more about them before signing.
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