| Plumbers are necessary for new construction of | | | | pieces of information that should be included on a |
| homes to install pipes and water systems. However, | | | | contract. Plumbers must be licensed so ensure you |
| most people need a plumber for their existing pipes | | | | have their license number and verify it. Make sure |
| when something breaks. Unfortunately, this usually | | | | they have proper insurance in case there is damage |
| occurs at an inconvenient time and often | | | | to your home caused by work they did. Ensure they |
| necessitates an emergency call to fix the problem | | | | will take responsibility for any damage done while |
| quickly. Costs for this can be high so there are | | | | working or get details of any exceptions. The |
| several things to consider before hiring one. | | | | contract should include a detailed accounting of the |
| Plumbers usually specialize in either repair or new | | | | work to be done and a bottom line price. If the |
| construction. If you need a plumber for new | | | | plumber is bidding on the project, there should be |
| construction, get quotes from those who specialize in | | | | one price for the entire job. If a plumber works by |
| this area. If you are looking for repair work, hire a | | | | the hour, the hourly rate should be clearly identified |
| plumber who specializes in repair. It is always wise to | | | | along with any additional fees. There should also be |
| get multiple bids on your project, but in an | | | | an estimated time that the work will be completed. |
| emergency situation this may not be feasible. Ask | | | | Always make sure there is a guarantee of at least a |
| what the costs will be up front, including any after | | | | year for the work performed. |
| hours or emergency service fees. If the plumber | | | | Hiring a plumber for new construction allows you to |
| works on an hourly basis, find out up front how the | | | | take a bit more time in the hiring process. Check |
| time is calculated and keep track of the amount of | | | | references and interview plumbers. Ask for referrals |
| time spent. | | | | from trusted sources. |
| Discuss the scope of work with the plumber so you | | | | If you need a plumber in an emergency situation; |
| are familiar with the type of work that needs to be | | | | however, you will have to get information much |
| done and how it may affect existing systems. | | | | more quickly. You may not have time to check |
| Compare what each plumber told you so you can be | | | | around before choosing a plumber. After all, if your |
| assured you have a consistent diagnosis of the issue. | | | | basement if filling up with water you don't want to |
| If you feel a plumber is increasing the scope of work | | | | be on the phone calling several plumbers for quotes. |
| unnecessarily, do not choose them for your work. Go | | | | In an emergency situation like that, try to choose |
| with someone you feel comfortable with and who | | | | someone you have worked with in the past whose |
| can get the job done efficiently. | | | | work you were pleased with or a well known |
| Always get a contract for plumbing work whether it | | | | company in the area. |
| is new construction or repair. There are several | | | | |