If you are considering new construction for your home or business, then you’ve probably already sought out the help of a general building contractor for designing and building your project. General contractors are also responsible for bringing your job into completion within an estimated timeframe and within budgeted costs. A general contractor will usually “subcontract” to the specific trades required to finish your job, such as the electrician, HVAC and plumber. Most often, the decision as to who works on your building project comes down to the lowest bid made by the most competent and experienced company, as determined by your general contractor.
However, perhaps you are self-building or self-managing a project, only using specific trades’ people as needed on a time and material basis. In such a case, you may be making these selections yourself and need some basic guidelines. If you’ve not yet needed a residential or commercial plumber, you may want to question others that you trust in your community as to their experience.
Usually, neighbors and other acquaintances have had some experience to make a recommendation as to a plumber’s reputation. Also, you may contact a general contractor in your area and ask them for a referral; they would be a knowledge source of local plumbers that do quality work at reasonable prices. Another reliable source would be your local trusted real estate professional.
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, make sure to get your plumber’s license number and ask for verification of required business insurance to ensure your freedom from any liability. Ask your plumber to provide you with a firm estimate and be sure to check on their service warranty policy.
