When it comes to finding a plumber, you want to make sure you get the best. While many websites provide service reviews, the reviews may be updated, the work you require may be different, or you just may not fully trust the websites in the first place. That’s why, when hiring a plumber, it is important to know more than just how to say hello. Ask these questions to determine if the service you’re about to purchase is reliable and safe.
1) Are They Licensed in Texas?
If the answer is no, then you probably shouldn’t be doing business with this plumber, since the work may be of poor quality and not being performed by a licensed professional. Most states require a license to do professional work and you can usually verify the license yourself online. All the experts at CW Service Pros are fully licensed.
2) Are They Insured?
This should be a major determining factor in your decision. Working with a company with no insurance can wind up landing you with an enormous bill should any accidents or damage occur during the job. For that reason, a certificate of general liability insurance and workman’s compensation certificate should be mandatory for any plumber working in your home. In Texas, to be an RMP (Responsible Master Plumber), a plumber must maintain at least $300,000 of liability insurance.
3) What is the Cost of the Job?
Most plumbing companies will provide an estimate before starting work. For your own protection, you should never allow work to begin without understanding if the estimate is the final cost or if there might be additions or changes that should be anticipated before work starts. Additionally, make sure you know if the rate is hourly with materials and tax or a flat contractor rate-get it all in writing.
4) When is Payment Due?
Depending on the scope of your project—say a kitchen or bathroom remodel—you may have workers in your home for a number of weeks. Usually payment is due after completion of a certain amount of weeks or a certain amount of work, but find out ahead of time when payment is due so there are no surprises. And never work with a company requiring full payment up front.
5) How Long Has The Company Been in Business?
Although not every new company is necessarily bad, there is a certain reliability that can’t be overlooked from a company that’s been around for a long time. For example CW Service Pros has been providing reliable plumbing service since 1999 in Lewisville and the surrounding Dallas Metroplex-that’s decades of reliable service!
6) What Type of Guarantees Do You Get on Their Work?
When you choose your plumber you want to know that if something breaks or goes wrong the company will stand behind their work. If the plumber doesn’t offer any warranty or guarantees, you may end up paying for the work twice. What a company offers will vary by the company, they type of job, and the scope of the project. Be aware of your contract before signing.
7) What’s the Real Problem Here?
A good plumber should be able to explain why you needed to call them in the first place. If the plumber can’t explain what the actual problem is and what steps that should be taken to avoid future problems, then you probably shouldn’t trust them to fix the issue. Hire someone else.