Looking for a Reputable Plumber
Whether your plumbing project is big or small, you should take time to look for the right plumber. So don’t fall for some random offer and do your research instead.
The following tips should lead you to the right path:
Seeking Recommendations
A personal recommendation from someone you trust is your best bet in finding a good plumber. Maybe this would be a relative or a friend, a neighbor or a colleague – anyone who has hired a plumber before and was happy with the outcome. You can also ask for contacts from another tradesman you might have hired before, like an HVAC technician or a builder. Don’t forget to tell the plumber how you knew about them, and you may just get a discount.
Trade Organizations or Tradesmen Schemes
A safe place to ask for referrals would be trade organizations in the plumbing industry. On the Internet, you can find tradesmen scheme websites, which are either operated by a private group or operators accredited by the government. Usually, these websites have databases where you can look for plumbers.
Online Testimonials
As usual, the Internet is always there to make our lives a whole lot easier. Individual contractors and small businesses normally have no funds to spend for expensive traditional advertising, and will instead rely on review websites to promote themselves. These websites can be a lot of help, but they are not without flaws. Some reviews are written by plumbers themselves through fake accounts, either to promote their services or discredit another plumber. Also keep in mind that online reviews tend to be extreme, but all should even out in the final or overall score. Still, it’s safe to take every review with a grain of salt.
Social Media
Today, consumers are trooping to the social media to express their pleasure or displeasure at businesses or companies they’ve worked with. If you’re thinking of hiring a certain plumber or plumbing company, visit their Facebook or Twitter feed and read what people are saying. Also pay attention to how they handle or respond to comments.
Getting Quotes
It’s always best to have at least three different quotes from three different plumbers. This way, you can compare their prices and services. You can simply call them on the phone, and while you can’t expect a highly accurate quote, you can at least have a picture of how they compare when it comes to affordability.
Asking for References
Finally, never shy away from asking for references from your prospective plumbers. And if you do get some, be sure to check them out. Unless you met the guy through a personal referral, this is the best way to know what kind of job he does.
All in all, deciding which plumber to hire should never be done in haste. Always be clear about the facts before making a choice.