Choosing a Good Plumbing Contractor

We have all heard the horror stories about plumbing contractors who coming into the homes spend about three minutes changing a washer and then presenting the unsuspecting homeowner with a gargantuan bill.

Not all plumbing contractors are con artists; fact is that with the shortage in skilled trade's works you find some unscrupulous people who prey on unsuspecting individuals. So how do you insure the plumbing contractors you choose are capable of doing the job. Well here are a few suggestions.

Finding the right plumbing contractor is important and not something you what to be dealing with when you have a plumbing emergency. A good way to choose a plumber is on the recommendation of someone list. You could also speak with your neighbors I will bet a neighbor or two have had whose opinion you trust.

Most homeowners associations have lists of recommended trade's workers. You can be sure that plumbing contractors will be on that list, and they could advise you on one with a good reputation.

Ask some questions like, did they arrive on time. Were they courteous to this person? Also, ask if they cleaned up after themselves, and if they were mindful and careful of their personal property. These are important question to have answered when looking for ANY contractor. You may also want to ask if they finished the job in a timely fashion.

Most likely, you could speak with a building contractor, if you know one. Contractors deal with plumbing contractors all the time and would be able to offer an informed opinion about various local plumbers. Who has the better prices, and the best credentials for the job?

Always ask for a price quote up front before letting the plumbing contractor start the job. If they do not want to offer a quote, then keep looking.

Ask the contractor what kind of warranty is behind their work before hiring them. If they do not want to offer, an acceptable guaranty then considers this a red flag.

A good plumbing contractor should be will to fix any problem that occurs as a result of their own error. Unless the home requires extensive plumbing work, and you are informed upfront that they cannot guaranty certain things because of other things that are required.

Always be sure to compare prices. Nevertheless, be prepared to pay a little more for a plumbing contractor if you have a reliable recommendation. This decision could be well worth the extra dollars in the end.

Be sure that there are no hidden service fees. Insisting on a written estimate and do not hire anyone who refuses to provide one. Except in a case where the job is such that they cannot guaranty the extent of the problem until further examination.

It is important to assure that the plumbing contractor is licensed. You should ask if they would be doing the work themselves. If not who would be doing the work. An assistant plumber can be a great thing but you will want to know that he or she is well trained and supervised to insure quality work.

Choose a contractor who is not afraid to answer these questions and any others that you may have is a good start.

It is mandatory that the plumbing contractor you choose be fully insured. Otherwise, you are putting yourself at risk of responsibility for work injuries. Whatever you choose be aware that sometimes when you choose the cheapest services they turn out to be more expensive in the end.

Choose your plumbing contractor wisely spend money that will insure quality work that will need fixing again tomorrow.
Stephan Bevan writes for the Toronto Plumbing contractor: Draincom.com. If you need a plumbing contractor, they offer free estimates - please give them a call at: 416-989-5757.