Thinking about hiring a plumber in Lower Hutt? It can be intimidating trying to hire a professional to perform plumbing work. A lot of homeowners will simply hire the first plumber in Lower Hutt that they come across, especially because people often seek out contractors when they’re in the midst of an emergency. It is well worth it to take your time choosing a professional however as it could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
So, what questions should you ask?
Do you have a specialty?
This is an important question to ask, especially if the work you need performed is complex. If you have something that requires professional insight then getting someone who specialises in the specific field relevant to your job can make a big difference. Having a specialist plumber in Lower Hutt work on your job can save you a lot of time because they have the expertise needed to do the work quickly, it can also save a lot of money as they will do the job faster and avoid making any mistakes.
Can you provide a quote?
It’s important that you ask ahead of having any work performed for a quote. This will help you to avoid any nasty surprises at the end of your job and will help you to get an overview of the costs involved in your job. It’s important to also note that the quote should be provided after an in-person consultation. It’s very difficult for a plumber in Lower Hutt to give an accurate quote without seeing the work that needs to be performed, so if they’re telling you a price sight unseen, beware.
Does your quote include materials?
It’s also important to question what is and is not included in their quote. Is it for instance just for labor? If the quote doesn’t cover materials you might be up for a significant extra cost.
Do you charge a flat rate or hourly?
It’s also important to understand how your plumber in Lower Hutt charges their fees. Do they for instance charge a flat rate for certain jobs or are they charging based on an hourly rate?
What payment options do you accept?
It’s also very important to check what kind of payment arrangements they are happy to accept. For example; do they require payments upfront or can you pay after the job is completed? Do you the accept payment plans? It’s important to establish how payments should be managed.
Do you have references?
It also a very good idea to ask for references before you decide on a contractor. This will give you an idea of what to expect. Your plumber in Lower Hutt should be able to produce at least a few glowing references if they provide good customer service and do quality work.
What credentials do you have?
It’s also a good idea to check up on their credentials and licenses to make sure they have the right qualifications to perform the work that you require.
Will you be doing the work?
Some larger businesses may have a lot of plumbers’ employer or a group of independent contractors that they get to do certain jobs on their behalf.
Do you have insurance?
This is a very important thing to establish with your plumber in Lower Hutt. In the event that anything goes wrong, you want to make sure that you are protected. Their insurance should protect them and your property. Make sure you confirm that they have comprehensive coverage before you hire them.