How do you choose a dependable plumbing contractor arlington residents are already using for repairs, maintenance, and installations? It’s always important to do homework before inviting any contractor into your home. However, finding a reputable trusted and qualified plumber is especially important because of the high stakes involved with your home’s plumbing system. Here’s a simple checklist for how to find a plumber that delivers on promises.
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Only Use a Licensed Plumber
Be wary of any contractors that simply label themselves as all-around “handymen” or repair experts. You should only trust a project to a licensed plumber to avoid a homeowner horror story. Ask to see qualifications before bringing in a pro to offer a quote.
Experience
If you’re looking for help with a large, complicated plumbing project, you want to make sure that the plumbing contractor you bring in for the job actually has experience with this specialty. Ask to see examples of previous work that fit into the same category as the project you need to be done. You can also inquire about training and years of experience to get a feel for a plumber’s ability to be effective on your specific project.
Proof of Insurance
Make sure a plumber can deliver proof of insurance before they touch a single inch of your home! Plumbing companies should be bonded and insured. This will keep you covered if any damage occurs while work is being done.
References and Reviews
A plumbing contractor that’s been around for a while should have plenty of reviews online. Knowing that others have had good experiences with a contractor can give you peace of mind. It’s also important to confirm that reviews look authentic. Here are some signs of real plumbing reviews online:
- They aren’t totally positive. Even a plumber with high ratings should have some less-than-perfect reviews in the mix.
- Reviewers are specific about projects in their reviews.
- Reviewers post photos of completed projects.
What if you still want to learn more after reading reviews? A contractor should also be willing to give you references upon request. This will give you a deeper glimpse into the experiences that clients have had with a company.
Responsiveness
Your first interactions with a plumbing company will often tell you all you need to know. Plumbing companies that offer great communication from the first moment you make contact are demonstrating a commitment to customer service that is likely to carry over to all aspects of doing business. You also want to make sure you’re dealing with a company you can count on for a response when you have pressing questions, emergency needs or special requests. It can be a bad sign if a company is hard to get a hold of when you just want to ask questions, book appointments or get some general information when you’re shopping around for plumbing quotes.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Plumbing Contractor
The search for the right plumber starts with a search for a local plumber. Make sure you’re looking for plumbers in your service area to enjoy fast, responsive service. Having a relationship with a plumbing company that can get out to your property quickly in the event of a plumbing emergency can truly be worth its weight in gold.