Your plumbing is one of the most critical systems in your home or business. Hiring a professional plumber is essential if you need new plumbing installed during a bathroom or kitchen renovation or help with other plumbing issues.
Take Time to Find the Right Plumber for Your Project
Unless you are dealing with a true plumbing emergency, take time to find the best plumbing contractor for your situation. Many plumbing companies specialize in certain types of plumbing projects. Some specialize in commercial plumbing, while others handle residential jobs. Some base their business on emergency services, and others focus on new plumbing installations.
In almost every state, plumbers require a license and have different designations based on their amount of training and experience. Make sure you look for the correct type of plumber for your particular project. For non-emergency plumbing services, such as a remodeling project or new construction, hiring a professional who understands plumbing system design and the building codes in your location is important.
Tips for Hiring a Plumber for Your Project
Finding a reliable and experienced plumber can be a daunting task. Knowing how to research and vet potential contractors properly is essential to ensure the job is done correctly.
1. Ask for Recommendations and Do Some Research
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Look for reviews on websites like Yelp or Angi (formerly Angie's List) to get an idea of the quality of their work. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the plumber is properly licensed and insured. When you've identified a few potential candidates, contact them for quotes and ask questions about their experience and qualifications.
2. Check Their Qualifications
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential plumbers, it's time to check their qualifications. Ask them for proof of licensing and insurance and references from previous clients. This is an excellent way to ensure they're qualified to do the job. You should also ask about their experience with your type of project. Ask for photos of completed projects if you are hiring a plumbing contractor to remodel a kitchen or bathroom.
3. Get Several Estimates and Compare Prices
Once you've checked the qualifications of the plumbers you're considering, it's time to compare prices. A written estimate should include a detailed work description, materials, completion date, and price. If a plumber tells you the hourly rate, ask how long it should take to finish the job. An experienced plumber can give an accurate time estimate for the most common plumbing installations and repairs. It's also essential to ensure the plumber is willing to guarantee their work and provide a warranty.
4. Ask Who Will Do the Work
Don't assume the person who gives you the estimate will do the work. Some plumbing companies have multiple plumbers on staff or hire subcontractors. Other plumbing companies have just a single plumber. Find out who will do the work and ask about their qualifications, training, and experience. A professional plumbing contractor will be happy to share this information.
5. Make a Decision
Once you've researched and compared prices, it's time to make a decision. Choose the plumber who best meets your needs and budget. Make sure to get everything in writing, including the scope of the work, the total cost, and any warranties or guarantees.
Experience Matters
No matter what type of contractor you hire, their experience should always be an essential factor in your decision making. An experienced plumbing company will be able to identify and repair the most common plumbing problems quickly and efficiently. They'll also understand how to manage unusual situations that arise during bathroom or kitchen remodeling projects.
St. Louis Plumbers You Can Trust
R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company offers a range of plumbing and remodeling services for residential and commercial clients. Our licensed plumbers can handle a variety of plumbing problems ranging from clogs and leaks to fixture replacements. We can update your existing kitchen or redesign the entire space to fix plumbing problems, replace outdated appliances and fixtures, and improve workflow.
Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on "top-of-the-line" service. All our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results. Call R.A. Guinner Plumbing today at 314-752-9850 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.