Hiring a Plumber to Do Your Home Renovation job. For some folks, the very idea evokes visions of midnight toilet overflows. Have no Fear!. Right here, we're here to tell you that the plumber is your friend. This plumber will help you carve a gleaming new bathroom out of your old and outdated, terrifying bathroom; or will add a shower on the kids' floor; or will plumb the new kitchen.
So what do you do to hire the right home renovation plumber? Just follow these easy steps to get started.
Research and Get Names
Talk to neighbors who've had remodeling or new construction work done a short time ago and get plumbing references. Please recognize that you are hiring a plumber to do remodeling work and NOT repair work. You may notice those quickie-plumber trucks or vans, realize that they do emergency repairs (repair work) and not new construction work. What you really need to a plumber who comes prepared to do the job on the agreed date, shows up, and gets started on doing the job right.
Verify State Licensing
Pick up your smartphone and call the State Licensing Agency. If your plumber has a license, then the State Licensing Agency will confirm this. At this point, you can ask the Agency if the plumber you're curious about has any pending or resolved complaints.
Be Sure you Have you Plumbing Plan in Place
Be sure to "firm up" the big picture of what you want your final result to be. You don't actually need to know exact pipe sizes or fittings...you just need to have the "Big Picture" in mind so that the job is done right.
Make Cheat Sheet for Your Calls
Be sure you ask about
Hourly rates?
The Rate per Hour of Non-Plumbing Jobs (like opening a wall into the kitchen)
Is there a charge for onsite delivery of parts?
Are they bonded and have worker's compensation and liability insurance?
Will they obtain a permit for you? Unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to ask
Assuming your project is not a rush, can you negotiate a more advantageous deal by employing the plumber at one of his slow times?
Make Calls
Call and ask for the manager. Remain calm while waiting on the phone. These managers are always getting calls from contractors and non homeowners so take it a little slow here verbally. Of course, you can disarm these managers if you directly ask for their expertise.
Getting the Permit
Are you the person getting the permit? Now is the time that you should apply for it.
Buying Your Own Fixtures
This is where you'll buy the toilets, sinks, fixtures, and anything else you'll need.
Preparing the Job Site
You don't want your expensive plumber to waste valuable time opening up walls, clearing crawlspaces, lighting dark basements. Even if you think they should do this, do this for them. It's your house, after all.
Stay at the Job Site While Work is Being Done
Don't hover or get to close the plumber while they are working. Instead, get out of site but withing calling distance in case the plumber needs to ask you a question. Encourage questions but don't be too talkative You'll get the best work if you follow that advice.
Thank Them When Done
After the job is done, be sure to thank the plumber. Then, before the plumber leaves, test the plumbing fixture (sink, hot-water heater, or toilet) and make sure that it works. Job Well Done. Congrats! You've taken the Hiring a Plumber job by the horns and managed a Plumber who Actually did a good job.
Looking for a Plumber in Winston Salem?
Call us at (336) 773-9949 to get started. It’s our joy to serve you with the best plumbing service at an affordable rate. We've got a number of local clients who've used us for years, love our service, and highly recommend us. Call us now and find out for yourself why our clients say that we are the best plumbers in Winston Salem.
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