Can’t you just call the first plumber you come across online? Or in the directory? What’s the worst that could happen?
First, you risk hiring an unprofessional, unskilled, and unlicensed plumber that will come in and cause more damages to the situation. The aftermath of careless and low-quality workmanship will be more expensive to fix, and that’s not the worst of it. If you hire a plumber that’s unlicensed, chances are they’re uninsured as well.
If they cause damages and sustain injuries on your property, you will have to pay for it, and they could actually sue you for liability. Additionally, you risk inviting in crooks posing as plumbers with the intention of robbing you, which places you and your family in danger. All this means that you need to do your due diligence and find a professional, skilled, competent, and reasonable plumber.
We understand that it can be a daunting task because when you search for plumbers near me, the list can be virtually endless. For that reason alone, we have put up this comprehensive guide that will show you the best way to hire a Newcastle plumber.
Consider Hiring a Local Plumber
Hiring a reliable and reasonable plumber close to you is the first aspect on the list. Start by searching for the best “plumbers near me” on the internet because you’ll get fast response times. A local plumber will offer you the convenience of extra services, preliminary site visits, and convenient time slots.
Besides, local plumbers understand local plumbing needs, and you’ll be supporting the local economy, which is always a good thing. A local plumber won’t have to travel on the job either, which is great for the environment.
Choose Between a Company and a Repairman
When choosing a plumber, one of the most important considerations you have to make is whether you want to hire a solo plumber or an established company. The upsides of hiring a solo plumber are that they’re likely to be more affordable since they have lower marketing costs, and they can be more open to negotiations. On the downside, they’re likely to take longer to complete your plumbing project and maybe too busy with other projects to come to you in an emergency.
Hiring an established company means that they have a large crew that’s always ready to go for emergencies regardless of holidays, night hours, or even weekends. On the downside, the charges may be higher, and you can’t be sure whether the person they sent to you is experienced enough for the kind of project you have.
Choose Plumber That Will Ensure Your Safety
Given that we are still in a concerning period of the Coronavirus pandemic, you need to be extra careful about the people you invited to your home. Our advice is for you to choose a plumber that will protect themselves, you, and your loved ones by strictly following the guidelines stipulated by the government.
Choose a plumber that uses proper PPE equipment, observes the recommended social distancing rules, and uses disinfectants before entering homes. If they can sanitize their equipment and screen for temperatures before coming into your home, even better.
Use Your Network
Even in the age of online reviews, word of mouth and recommendations from people you trust are still one of the most efficient ways to hire a plumber. References will help you determine reliability, punctuality, ethics, and reasonability. Ask the people closest to you, such as your family members, colleagues, friends, and neighbors.
Plumbing supplies stores and neighborhood hardware stores are also goldmines for such information. You can also ask local tradespeople or builders because they usually have a network of reliable contractors in the area. Consider checking social media pages for local plumbers in your area, where you may find reviews from past customers.
Even when you get a recommendation, it’s still a little bit tricky because you have to conduct a professional background on them before you actually hire them. However, it’s a lot easier when you have a few recommendations to compare than going online to do full-blown research.
Research Online
If you can’t find any local recommendations, online research is the next best option. Start by searching for a ‘plumber near me’ and shortlist at least a dozen companies in the area. Peruse through their website and check the presence on Google Maps. Then match the features and the benefits each candidate offers.
Go through on-page reviews, testimonials, and success projects and avoid plumbers that self-proclaimed to be the best with overly promotional content.
Check for unbiased customer reviews because social proof is incredibly important. Look for plumbers with websites that showcase their personality because professional plumbers expose their teams with real photos and real activities.
Beyond that, you can also check the online directories and rating websites. You have to be careful not to hire a plumber from the wrong website, though. Check credible websites such as the Yellow Pages, the Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot, and Yelp.
Narrow down your search to the top three most promising candidates, and ask for quotes. Even though money should be a factor, it should not be a determining factor when you want to hire a plumber. The trick here is not to look for the cheapest or the most expensive plumber, but the one that offers value for money.
Ask for Licenses, Insurance, Bonding, and Work History
Inquire whether they’re licensed to practice in your state and if they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Inquire whether they’re bonded, whether they carry the appropriate training certificates, and whether they’re experienced enough to work on your project. Ask if they offer warranties or guarantees for their work, and if they don’t, move on to the next option.
All this while, gauge their customer services based on how responsive they are. How willing are they to answer questions, and how friendly are they? Keep in mind that they’ll be coming into your home, so you must ensure trust and that you feel at ease with them.
How to Hire a Plumber: Every Step You Need to Take
There you have it! These are the steps you need to take to hire a plumber that will do right by you.
When you have a seemingly small leak, a blocked toilet, or a faulty shower, find a professional plumber that will offer you top quality services. If they offer you exceptional services, save their contacts in case you need plumbing services in the future.
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