Before you decide to employ the services of a plumber, you need to know a few things about them, as well as what the project will involve and how much it is going to cost. Just as with any contractor you would hire, there are some things you should establish before any work begins.
Here are the most important questions we think you should ask.
- Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour?
When you request an estimate, remember to ask if the total that you are quoted is an hourly rate that includes the cost of materials or if it is a flat rate that won’t change due to labour costs. The problem with an hourly rate is that while materials are usually a fixed price, if the job runs longer than expected, the cost will continue to rise as you pay for the labour. Before you sign the contract, make sure you know what you’re getting.
- Are you a licensed plumber?
This is a big question to ask plumbers in Brisbane. Also, don’t just take a plumber’s word for it – there are plenty out there who operate without a license. Having a reputable license means the plumber is registered with a reliable governing body. What’s more, the plumber should be fully insured and bonded.
- Who will be doing the work?
Often, professional plumbing companies will hire multiple plumbers and for bigger projects, they may use a team. Be sure to ask if the plumber who is providing the estimate is the one that will be doing the work. If the answer is no, find out who will be doing the job and their level of qualifications and experiences. If you are not comfortable with the answer or the plumber just cannot give you details, you may want to keep looking around.
- Is the work guaranteed?
Be sure to ask the plumber if there is a warranty or guarantee that comes with their work – and get it in writing.
- Is the quote the total cost?
Most reliable and professional plumbers will offer customers free estimates and most will check the job out prior to starting work. Once your plumber has looked over the job and provides you with an estimate, ask if the quote includes labour, materials, and a contingency plan for any issues that could arise. Some quotes may look amazing on paper but only include basic materials without labour.
- Do you clean up afterwards?
While you may think there is an obvious answer to this one, there are plumbers out there who don’t clean up once they have completed the job, leaving you with boxes, parts, and a big mess. Ask the plumber if they clean up after the job is done and if the clean-up service is part of the quote.
Hiring a plumber can be a tough job, but by asking these questions, you can ensure that you get someone who is professional, reliable, and who will not leave you with a half-finished bathroom.