Getting the right plumber for your construction project is important not just for the quality of the end result, but for your own project timelines and ease of management. But you probably won’t know what to look for in a good plumber if you’ve never had to hire one for construction before.
If you’re keen to make the smartest investment in a plumber who works with your construction team, not against it, be sure to ask the following six questions before you hire them.
Are You Licensed And Insured?
It goes without saying that any contractor you introduce into your construction team should be licensed and insured. Your plumber of choice should be licensed in your state and hold liability insurance at the very least. Reputable plumbing companies like Military Plumbing take away the guesswork by sharing this information online, but if not, ask before you get started.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Construction Projects?
Plumbers are available in abundance wherever you look, but finding one with construction experience will likely take a bit more searching. Ideally, you want your plumber of choice to have at least a couple of years working on construction projects like your own. That way, you know they’ll be competent at the job, and they won’t need to be micromanaged by you.
What’s Included In Your Estimate?
If you’ve worked with contractors before, you’ll know that some don’t know how to write an estimate properly, while others will deliberately exclude things from their estimates. The danger here is that you think you’re getting a better deal than you actually are, only to be hit with a surprise bill at the end of the project. So, when you’re choosing between several plumbers, make sure you know what their quotes include to get a clear understanding of their pricing.
Do You Offer A Workmanship Guarantee?
The last thing you want is to be footing the bill for your plumber’s poor workmanship several months after project completion. Check with a plumber in advance that they offer a labor or workmanship guarantee, as well as a warranty for parts or materials, ideally for at least a year.
Will You Handle Permits And Inspections?
When permits and inspections are necessary for the plumbing side of your construction project, you need to know from the get-go who will be responsible for this. Ideally, your plumber will take this on for you, but it’s not guaranteed, so be sure to check in advance.
What’s Your Payment Schedule?
Plumbers have different expectations when it comes to how, and how often, they want to be paid. Some might require a deposit upfront and the rest at the end, while others may have payment milestones for individual stages of the project. This can depend on the project at hand, too, so it’s worth asking your plumber for more info before the work begins.
There we have it: six questions to ask a plumber before they begin work on your construction project.
Don’t be afraid of sounding silly! Asking questions is how we learn, and it’s much better to be overprepared than hit with an unwanted surprise down the line.
